William J. (Buddy) Herlihy, a retired Captain of The Salem Police Department, died at home on September 16, 2021 in the company of his family. He was the husband of the late Marylou (Shuel) Herlihy, and the son of the late William J. Herlihy and Jean (Collier) Herlihy.

William lived most of his life in Salem, Massachusetts, but also recently lived in Peabody, Massachusetts, and Pickerington, Ohio. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1953. He was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant in 1953. He was educated through the Salem Public School System, and was a honor graduate of North Shore Community College with an associate degree in Science-Law Enforcement.

William was a member of the Salem Police Department for 31 years from 1961-1992. He retired as Captain. He received numerous commendations and awards throughout his career. During his time with the police department he also served as the first juvenile officer where he created the Big Brother & Big Sister Children in Trouble Program. This program was honored by the Salem District Court and Probation Department and all children's social service agencies. Because of his dedication to this program he helped many troubled youth turn their lives around. After William retired, he again chose to serve his city by acting as a hearing officer for the city of Salem under the direction of Mayor Usovich and Mayor Driscoll. He retired from this position in November 2012.

William was an avid gardener, enjoyed traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren. William was a proud member of the Salem and Massachusetts Police Relief Associations. A longtime member of the American legion. He was a lifelong member of St. James Parish in Salem. He also was a longtime supporter of St. Jude Children's Hospital, The Salvation Army, and numerous other charities. William loved the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, and Ohio State Buckeyes. He had an infectious personality and made friends wherever he went.

He is survived by his daughter Patricia A. Czapla and her husband Richard of Pickerington, OH, his son John Williams and his wife Alice of Salem, MA, four grandchildren Jonathan Czapla (Julie), Laurie Payne (Logan), Bradford Williams (Carrie), and Brian Williams (Steffany), and 7 great grandchildren Corey, Tyson, Chase, Austin, Maisie, Harrison, and Sawyer. He is predeceased by his sisters Margaret Herlihy McCormick and Joan Herlihy Lussier, and brothers William Blackwell and Robert Blackwell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the North Shore Cancer WALK, 81 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970 or at nsmcgiving.partners.org/walk.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend a celebration of life in Salem, Massachusetts on Friday November the 5th. Calling hours will be held from 9am-11am at Murphy Funeral Home 85 Federal Street Salem, MA. Church services will be at 11:30am at St. James Church, 160 Federal Street Salem, MA with burial to immediately follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. William will be deeply missed by all his family and friends. For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.