'Big Daddy' Bill Murphy Passes Away

He was somewhat of a legend around these parts.

Whether it was his involvement in youth athletics, his business-savvy ways in the local bar/restaurant scene, or his general Roxborough pride, William Murphy was certainly a fixture in his community.

His notoriety even helped him gain a nickname, “Big Daddy,” a testament to both his stature and overall presence in the neighborhood.

Bill “Big Daddy” Murphy, a Roxborough native son, passed away March 18. He died at his home surrounded by loved ones, according to his obituary.

A viewing for friends and relatives will take place Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and again on Thursday from 9 to 10:45 p.m. at St. John The Baptist Church, 146 Rector St., Manayunk. A funeral Mass will follow Thursday.

“He just knew everybody and everybody knew him,” Bill Keenan, owner of Keenan’s Valley View Inn, said of the late Murphy, who made a lasting impression on the younger Bill.

Keenan, who has owned and operated his business for 30 years, credited Murphy with helping him to get started in the profession.

Keenan, in a phone interview Tuesday afternoon, recalled having weekly sit-downs with Murphy in those early years, something that helped Keenan develop a business sense.

Murphy, who previously owned Murphy’s Tavern at Henry and Roxborough avenues in Roxborough, was also well-known in local sports circles.

He was a longtime high school basketball referee, something that enabled him to befriend other referees, coaches and sports aficionados.

, Murphy was the guest of honor during a special “roast” at Keenan’s Valley View Inn.

Many showed up to rib the big guy, including former La Salle University basketball coach William “Speedy” Morris, NBA referee Steve Javie, former Fox 29 sports reporter Don Tollefson and comedian Chris Morris, a Roxborough resident and nephew of Speedy Morris.

“If everyone on this earth was like Big Daddy, it would be a fun, happy place to be,” Chris Morris said at the time. “I’ve never seen him without a smile on his face.”

Indeed, Keenan also has fond memories of the man who was his mentor of sorts.

“He was always conscious of other people’s feelings, their needs,” Keenan said Tuesday. “He was an all-around, one-of-a-kind guy.

“He treated everybody the same,” Keenan continued. “That’s why he was so well-loved."

Keenan said Murphy, who was involved with the local Lions Club, used to donate money to area organizations like Roxborough Memorial Hospital, in the days before the health center was a for-profit business.

Chuck Boris, Keenan’s partner, said he thinks the nickname “Big Daddy” simply came about due to Murphy’s stature. Boris said back in the day, Murphy sported a “pompadour,” but as his hair began to thin, the referee and bar owner took to wearing a baseball cap.

This became somewhat of a signature look for Murphy, the two said.

Jack and Sandi Dempsey, owners of The Initial Touch in Roxborough, also knew Murphy. During a brief interview at their store Tuesday, the couple recalled Murphy’s status in the community.

Sandi said Murphy was a mentor to many, including Keenan. Jack recalled Murphy’s fondness for pulling out his referee whistle and giving it a blow when patrons came into his bar.

“He would say, ‘time out,’” Jack Dempsey said with a smile.

The Dempsey's used to frequent Murphy's Tavern.

The former referee with the Markward Awards, a club that honors stellar city and suburban high school basketball players.

Although Murphy’s obituary doesn’t list a specific cause of death, Keenan said his mentor had been in ill health for some time now. Murphy had suffered from strokes, congestive heart failure and pneumonia, Keenan said, and the issues had simply taken their toll.

Keenan said Murphy was a true presence, one that will be sorely missed in Roxborough and beyond.

“He taught by example. His customers adored the guy,” Keenan said. “I would observe him more than anything. His actions spoke more than words.”