Walter J. Murphy, 87 of Ashland, formerly of Hopkinton passed away August 15th in Natick at the Eliot Healthcare Center after a period of declining health. He was the husband of the late Lillian (Salpi) Murphy who died in 1988. Born in Boston he was the son of the late William and Mary (Holden) Murphy and was a life long resident of Ashland and Hopkinton. He was employed with the United States Postal Service and was a veteran of WWII serving in the United States Army Air Corps where he flew numerous missions over Germany. He was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Mr. Murphy was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2331 and the American Legion James O Carey Post 77 both in Ashland. He is survived by one stepson: Richard D. Schlosky and his wife Janet of Portsmouth, RI; four grandchildren, five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late William Murphy, Frank Murphy and Marie Kelly all of Ashland. A funeral Mass will be said on Friday morning at 9:00 AM in St. Cecilia's Church, 54 Esty Street, Ashland, with interment to follow in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland. Calling hours will be held in the Matarese Funeral Home (www.mataresefuneral.com) 325 Main Street, Ashland on Thursday evening from 5-7 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, Central New England Region, 9 Riverside Road, Weston, MA 02493.