William Murphy

     William “Bill” Murphy was born in Springfield, Illinois, to David and Christine Jean Murphy. He was the middle of three boys, between older brother David L. Murphy and younger brother Kenneth E. Murphy. During their early years, the Murphy family lived in Glasford, IL, where their father owned a lumber yard and a bar. Tragically, Bill’s father passed away from a heart attack while the boys were still in grade school, leaving Jean to raise her three spirited sons on her own. The family moved back to Springfield, where they were supported by Jean’s sisters. Bill attended Saint Cabrini Parochial School and went on to graduate from Griffin High School in Springfield. A talented athlete, he was a proud member of the school’s 1964 state champion baseball team, which defeated Niles West of Skokie in the final game. At just sixteen, while visiting a cousin in Chicago, Bill met Darlyn on a blind date set up by his aunt and her mother. It was love at first sight—kismet. Despite the distance, they maintained a long-distance relationship until Bill moved to Chicago to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology.

     While studying, working, and spending time with Darlyn, Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and, due to his high test scores, was selected for Military Police School in Georgia. He was later stationed at the DMZ in South Korea, where he worked in vice operations alongside a Seoul detective. While on leave, Bill proposed to Darlyn. They married on May 24, 1969, shortly after his discharge from the military. The couple settled in Chicago, and in 1972 welcomed their first child, Jennifer. A few years later, they bought their first home in Skokie. Their family grew with the births of Timothy in 1977 and Thomas in 1983. Bill’s professional life was marked by drive, intelligence, and entrepreneurial spirit. After successful stints in sales, he co-founded Electro-Wire Inc. in 1978 with a colleague from Anixter Wire & Cable. In 1980, the family moved to a larger home in Skokie, where they would remain. In 1982, Bill acquired a small electrical supply business and renamed it Paramont Electric Supply. Under his leadership, alongside several partners, Paramont grew—relocating from its original site on Clybourn Avenue in Chicago to Broadview and eventually opening branches in Batavia and Ingleside, IL.

     A lifelong car enthusiast, Bill had a particular passion for Ford Mustangs. After restoring a 1969 model, he became a part-owner of Classic Restorations in Addison, IL. In 1997, he helped launch Fluorecycle Inc., a company specializing in the recycling of fluorescent and HID lighting and ballasts. After selling Paramont in 2013, Bill focused his efforts on growing Fluorecycle. Despite his many business ventures, Bill always made time for family and friends. He was a skilled handyman and self-taught engineer, often “overbuilding” things with precision and care. Whether it was electrical work, carpentry, or plumbing, there wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. He was always the first to lend a hand—building a garage with his brother Dave, helping trench electrical lines for Kenny’s pool, or crafting Pinewood Derby cars with his grandkids. Bill was a devoted fan of the Chicago Blackhawks and the White Sox. He held season tickets for both teams over the years and was overjoyed to attend the White Sox’s 2005 World Series games with Darlyn. He often listened to untelevised games from his garage or recorded them to watch later. He was ecstatic to see the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cups in the 2010s. His beloved cocker spaniel, Killi, was usually by his side, curled up on his lap as he laughed along with his favorite comedies.

     Above all, Bill was a devoted family man. He cheered on his grandchildren at sports games, academic events, plays, and musicals, always beaming with pride. He was, in every sense, the “best grandpa ever.” His kind heart, sense of humor, and generous spirit made him a treasured friend and family member, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

We invite you to share a cherished memory or funny story about Bill—something we can hold onto and smile about for years to come.

     Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Darlyn née Rados; his loving children, Jennifer (Geovanny) Alvarado, Timothy (Maria) Murphy, and Tom (Emily) Murphy; and his adored grandchildren, Aidan and Charlie Alvarado, Matthew and Patrick Murphy, Daniel Murphy, and Caroline Shreve. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Christine Jean Murphy, and his in-laws, Harold and Irma Rados. He is fondly remembered by his late brothers, David (Judith Murphy-Hayes) and Kenneth (the late Pamela); brother-in-law, Robert (Charlotte) Rados; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

     Visitation will be held at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL 60646, on May 30th, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Additional visitation will take place at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 2500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60659, On Saturday, May 31st,  at 9:30 AM, followed by a service at 10:30 AM. Interment at St. Luke’s Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Philip Lutheran Church, Chicago.

For more information, visit www.smithcorcoran.com or call (773) 736-3833.