InMemory of Our Veterans

CPL William E. Murphy Is Remembered Today And Every Day

28 April 1940 – 1 April 2015

On Wednesday, April 1, 2015, William E. Murphy, aged 74, of Stafford Springs, Connecticut, passed away after courageously battling cancer for a year. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, wit, and profound dedication to both his country and his loved ones.

Born in Southbridge, Massachusetts, William was the son of John E. and Margaret F. (Rieggers) Murphy. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, embodying the values of honor and commitment that he would carry throughout his life.

After his military service, William embarked on a diverse career path. He contributed his skills to Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and North American Printed Circuit before becoming an entrepreneur, owning and managing two Postal Instant Press franchises. He concluded his professional journey as a machine operator at CUNO, marking a retirement well-earned.

William’s passion extended beyond his work to his engagement with his community, where he served as a treasurer for the Stafford Republican Town Committee. An avid sports fan, he cheered with unwavering support for UConn basketball, the Boston Red Sox, and the New England Patriots. Beyond his interests and affiliations, William was most cherished for his sharp intelligence, his ever-present wit, and his steadfast loyalty to friends and family.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, C. Nina (Mason) Murphy, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew them. William’s memory is carried on by his devoted children, Sean Murphy and his wife Dawn, and Heather Murphy; his adored grandchildren, Ryan, Megan, Tyler, and Andrew; his brother, David Murphy; his sister-in-law, Georgiana (Mason) Hanselmann and her husband Kurt, along with their children, Seth and Rhea; and numerous cousins who felt his impact deeply.

Family, friends, and those whose lives were touched by William gathered for calling hours on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., in Stafford Springs, CT. The gathering was not just a time to mourn but to share memories and stories that highlighted William’s remarkable life. The service culminated in a poignant time of remembrance and reflection, followed by a burial with Military Honors at St. Edward Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT, where William was laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, William’s family requested that memorial donations be made to the Johnson Memorial Cancer Center in Enfield, CT, a testament to William’s enduring spirit of giving and support for cancer research and patient care.

As we remember William E. Murphy, we reflect on a life well-lived, marked by service, dedication, and an indomitable spirit. His legacy will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him, and his memory will be cherished in the hearts of his family and friends forever.

Lance Corporal Tyler O. Griffin is Remembered Today and Every Day

4 June 1990 – 1 April 201

On April 1, 2010, in the rugged terrain of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, the tight-knit community of Voluntown, Connecticut, and the nation at large, lost a courageous young Marine, Lance Corporal Tyler Owen Griffin. Born on June 4, 1990, in Norwich, Connecticut, Tyler’s journey from a vibrant, mischief-loving boy to a valiant Marine is a testament to his indomitable spirit, his unwavering sense of duty, and his profound love for his country.

Tyler graduated from Griswold High School in 2008, where he was remembered not just for his athletic prowess on the football field, but for his generous heart and infectious enthusiasm. From a young age, Tyler exhibited a deep-seated desire to serve, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps through the Delayed Entry Program at just 17. His dedication to his country saw him through the rigorous training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., and into the ranks of the 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, based at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Tyler’s deployment to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom was a reflection of his commitment to protect and serve, a mission he undertook with honor and valor. It was there, in the line of duty, that Tyler made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, leaving behind a legacy that would forever mark the hearts of those who knew him.

In Voluntown, Tyler was more than a Marine; he was a beloved son, a cherished friend, and a beacon of hope. His kindness knew no bounds, touching the lives of many, from classmates who recalled his readiness to lend a helping hand, to fellow Marines who looked up to him as a brother. Tyler’s actions in his final moments, prioritizing the welfare of his fellow Marines over his own, epitomized the depth of his bravery and selflessness.

His passing brought together the community of Voluntown and beyond, united in grief and in celebration of his life. Tyler’s request to be laid to rest among the nation’s heroes at Arlington National Cemetery was honored, providing a place of pilgrimage for those who wish to remember a young man who, in his 19 years, exemplified the best of the human spirit.

Friends and mentors from Voluntown Baptist Church and beyond reminisced about a boy with a dazzling smile and a penchant for mischief, who grew into a man of principle, dedicated to his faith, his family, and his country. His love for football, particularly the New England Patriots, and his protective nature were fondly remembered, painting a picture of a life lived with passion and purpose.

Tyler Owen Griffin’s story is one of inspiration, a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the world around them. His legacy is engraved not only on the hallowed grounds of Arlington but in the hearts of those who knew him, and in the spirit of the community that continues to honor his memory.

To the family of Tyler, the community of Voluntown, and all who had the privilege of knowing this remarkable young Marine, we extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt gratitude. May the memory of Lance Corporal Tyler Owen Griffin forever be a source of strength and inspiration, a beacon of courage, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the greater good. Rest in peace, Tyler. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

In Memoriam: Louis Anthony “Lou” Conter – Last Survivor of USS Arizona

September 13, 1921 – April 1, 2024

Louis Anthony “Lou” Conter, the last surviving witness of the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024, at the age of 102. Born on September 13, 1921, in Ojibwa, Wisconsin, Lou’s remarkable life was defined by courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his country.

Lou’s journey with the United States Navy began at the young age of 18 when he enlisted in Denver, Colorado, in November 1939, as war loomed on the horizon. After completing basic training in San Diego, California, he reported to the USS Arizona in 1940 as a Quartermaster, Third Class.

On that fateful morning of December 7, 1941, Lou found himself on watch duty aboard the USS Arizona, stationed between the ship’s third turret and main deck. When the Japanese planes descended upon Pearl Harbor, Lou and his comrades were thrust into the chaos of war. Despite the devastating onslaught, Lou’s actions were marked by bravery and selflessness. Knocked to the deck by a bomb blast, he immediately sprang into action, assisting wounded comrades and helping to prevent them from leaping into the fiery and shark-infested waters surrounding the sinking ship.

As the USS Arizona continued to list and sink, Lou responded to the abandon ship call, rowing a lifeboat to safety onshore. In the aftermath of the attack, he played a crucial role in recovery efforts, aiding in the retrieval of bodies and extinguishing fires that ravaged the ship.

Lou’s service extended beyond the events of Pearl Harbor. Throughout World War II, he served in theaters of conflict in New Guinea and Europe, and later participated in the Korean War aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard. After 23 years of dedicated service, Lou retired from the Navy in 1967, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Despite the passage of time, Lou’s memories of December 7, 1941 remained vivid and haunting. His firsthand account of the attack serves as a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of those who served alongside him. Lou’s courage, humility, and unwavering patriotism embody the finest qualities of America’s greatest generation.

With Lou’s passing, we bid farewell to a remarkable individual whose legacy will endure as a symbol of courage and sacrifice. As we honor his memory, let us never forget the profound debt of gratitude owed to Lou Conter and his fellow servicemen who faced adversity with unyielding resolve on that infamous day in history.

In memoriam, we honor those who have left their indelible mark upon our hearts. 🌹

Their stories etched in time, like whispered secrets carried by the wind. The laughter, the tears, the shared moments—now woven into the fabric of memory.

In the quiet corners of our souls, they reside—a constellation of cherished moments, a symphony of love and loss. Their absence a bittersweet melody, a reminder that life’s tapestry is woven with both joy and sorrow.

And so, we light a candle, release a paper lantern, or plant a tree—a gesture to bridge the earthly and the ethereal. For in remembering, we keep their spirit alive, a beacon across the vast expanse of existence.

In memoriam, we honor the threads that bind us, the fragile beauty of impermanence. May their legacy echo through time, a whispered promise that love endures, even beyond the veil.