William F. Murray of West Hartford, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital after a heroic battle with a serious illness. He was surrounded with the love, tears and laughter of his family. Bill was born in Manchester, NH, on November 1, 1938; the fifth son of the late George E. and Elizabeth (Richards) Murray. Bill was preceded in death by his brothers, George, Jr., Richard, Thomas and his sister-in-law Beverly and also by his beloved cats Coffee and Cocoa. Bill will be forever missed by his wife Rena (Morneault) Murray; brother Charles and his wife Kay Murray; son, Timothy William and his wife Janet Murray, son, David and his wife Anne; grandchildren, Tyler and Connor Murray; many wonderful nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends.Bill and his wife Rena had many interests and hobbies throughout their lives. “Jazz is our Joy” was their slogan. They would drive up and down the east coast to see their favorite bands. Florida was a favorite destination to spend time walking the beaches and collecting seashells. Back at home Bill enjoyed gardening, landscaping and keeping his lawn and flower gardens in immaculate condition. Sports both as a participant and as a spectator was a lifelong passion. He was an avid fan of the Boston Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox and New England Patriots. During the last 20 plus years in CT the UCONN Huskies basketball teams were favorites. Bill and Rena were active members of the Church of St. Mary in Newington. Prior to an illustrious career in the Banking Industry, Bill was an honors graduate of Bishop Bradley High School in Manchester, NH. He served as an active duty medic and ambulance driver in the US Air Force during the Berlin Crisis. Bill furthered his education as a graduate of the Williams College School of Banking and the Northern New England School of Banking. His compassion for people, strength for causes and desire to assist individuals in crisis was exemplified in his professional and personal endeavors. Bill was truly a self-made man. He put himself through school while he rapidly advanced from a starting position as a bank teller to Senior Vice President of Lending at the Bank of New Hampshire, where he dedicated 25 years of service. He was Vice President of Hanover Bank, NH and also served as President and Director of City Bank and Trust of Claremont, NH. Bill’s thoughtfulness toward and appreciation of his co-workers was often demonstrated by joyous Holiday parties hosted by him and Rena at their home. William made a career path change in 1992, after more than 36 years in commercial lending when he joined the SBA (Small Business Administration). Initially a temporary employee in the New England Loan Recovery Project and the Disaster Loan Program. His full time career culminated as a Supervisory Economic Development Specialist. Bill retired from the SBA in 2004. Bill was very involved in the communities in which he and Rena lived. He actively participated, held offices and accomplished tremendous fund-raising goals with many organizations, including Kiwanis Club, Salvation Army, Girls Club, American Red Cross, Lions Club, Independent Bankers Association and the Rotary Club. He received a national award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, “Hope Chest Award” for outstanding fund-raising. On behalf of William, Rena and Tim wish to express their sincere gratitude to the nurses and providers of St. Francis Hospital Oncology Unit, Oncology/Infusion Center, Riverside Home and MasoniCare Hospice whose compassion, professionalism and caring helped us through this difficult time. Funeral services for family and relatives will be private. Please consider a contribution in Williams name to MasoniCare Home Health and Hospice, 111 Founders Plaza, Suite 200, East Hartford, CT 06108.