Murphy Sr., Thomas J.

On June 19, 2022, Thomas J. Murphy Sr. CW4 ® of Fairport, NY  went home to our Lord, at age 79. He will be remembered for his commitment to his faith, his military service and his family.  Predeceased by his grandmother, Helen, parents Thomas L, and Betty.  Survived by his loving sister Marge Ronner, his first wife, Judith and their children; Thomas Murphy Jr.(Michelle), Elizabeth Dormer (Patrick) and James Murphy (Jenn) and second wife Karen.  He was blessed with eight beautiful grandchildren, Amanda Murphy (fiance Tyler), Tommy Murphy, Connor Dormer, Zachary Dormer, Aidan Murphy, Mackenzie Murphy, Caoilinn Murphy, Reilly Campbell (Scott) and five step grandchildren, Rachel Weeks, Emily Nguyen (Leo), Justin (JT) Weeks, Brady Weeks and Jeremy Weeks.

Retired Military Veteran, having proudly served 34 years in the Army Reserve, 24 of these years in the 98th Division (IT), Rochester, NY; and 8 years in the US Naval Reserve in the Brooklyn Navy Yard.  Earning a total of 25 awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit during his 42 years of military service. Active member of the American Legion Post #899 in Pittsford, NY and The Knights of Columbus-Michael C. Hogan Council #15917 at St. John of Rochester Parish in Fairport, NY.

Thomas’s parents died when he was a pre-teen and he was left as the “Man of the House”.  He began working and contributing at age ten.  Thomas was raised by his grandmother in the Bronx.  Starting at an early age, Tom was willing to volunteer and help others.  When his grammar school parish needed altar boys for 6:30am mass, he volunteered.  When the need for reserve forces arose to help protect our country he volunteered.  He was part of the Auxiliary Police force in New York City.  He continued throughout his life giving back to his church and community through many organizations: Holy Name Society, Usher Society, Men’s Club, Nocturnal Adoration, Right to Life March for Life, Men’s Retreat Committee, Boy & Girl Scouts, National Rifle Association, Notary Public, Red Cross, Warrant & Reserve Officer Associations, American Legion and Knights of Columbus to name a few!

He led his life by the motto:

If I can return to society and this world

A fraction of what God has let me take out of it

I feel truly blessed

Friends may call on Monday, June 27 from 4:00-6:00pm at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Fairport (Egypt location)

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. John of Rochester Church, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport, NY on Tuesday, June 28th at 11:00am.

Internment, with a military service, will be at White Haven Memorial Park, Marsh Road, Pittsford, NY immediately following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Perinton Food Shelf.


Comments

21 responses to “Murphy Sr., Thomas J.”

  1. Danny & Donna Barnes Avatar
    Danny & Donna Barnes

    Our deepest sympathy to all of Tom’s family. Tom was a great man and will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  2. Cheryl C. Parente-Roggow Avatar
    Cheryl C. Parente-Roggow

    Thoughts and prayers for his time here on earth and that he lived his life with worthy causes. SFC Cheryl (Eiklor) Parente-Roggow (Retired) 98th Div

  3. William Rahn Avatar
    William Rahn

    Tom was a good man, dedicated, and a friend to all. We were legion brothers and Tom will sorely be missed. When I think of Tom, a smile comes to my face, as he had the gift to bring joy. Good bye to my friend Tom!
    Bill Rahn

  4. Gaudino Jerome A Maj (ret) USAR 1/389 Ithaca Avatar
    Gaudino Jerome A Maj (ret) USAR 1/389 Ithaca

    Rest In Peace brother! May god bless you and your family

  5. Timothy Meister Avatar
    Timothy Meister

    I’m so sorry about your loss of Tom. I ran into him at St. John’s a few months ago and we were able to catch up. I saw him frequently when I worked at Keenan funeral home. I will miss him and his love for country. God bless you Tom

  6. SSG(RET) Deb Shafer (98th Div) Avatar
    SSG(RET) Deb Shafer (98th Div)

    Sip sorry for your loss. I worked with Tom many year’s and he was alway so kind and helpful. RIP Tom

  7. MG (Ret) Pete and Joan Gannon Avatar
    MG (Ret) Pete and Joan Gannon

    Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family. Tom was the most professional, loyal, helpful and friendly 98th Div member I ever worked with since the late 70’s. He always had a smile on his face and always got the job done quietly and professionally. RIP

  8. CW4 (RET) Joan Oliver-wegman (Dickerson) Avatar
    CW4 (RET) Joan Oliver-wegman (Dickerson)

    My thoughts and prayers go out to Tom’s family. Tom was a true professional and he was an irreplaceable SME. I am proud to have served with Tom Murphy. RIP Chief

  9. Carl Conge, Captain, US Army, Retired Avatar
    Carl Conge, Captain, US Army, Retired

    I first met Tom when we were both working at the United States Army Reserve Center in Webster in the early nineties. I lost track of him after I retired, but have thought of him often (in fact, I was thinking of him earlier today). He was just the nicest man. My sincere condolences to his family. RIP, Tom.

  10. Ron Way, SSG, U.S. Army (Retired) Avatar
    Ron Way, SSG, U.S. Army (Retired)

    Sincere condolences to Tom’s family. Tom always had a wonderful Spirit within the 98th Division family. He will be missed.

  11. CW4 (RET) ROCCO SGRO Avatar
    CW4 (RET) ROCCO SGRO

    Tom and I worked across the hall from each other at the 98th Div HQ as civilian technicians.. We also served together as Reservists. He was the ultimate professional. His knowledge of Military finance was second to none. Tom, you will be missed.

  12. LTC (RET) Michael T. Graves and Sue Graves Avatar
    LTC (RET) Michael T. Graves and Sue Graves

    Sue and I send our deepest condolences to Tom’s family. Farewell to our former neighbor and colleague!

  13. COL (Ret) Todd and Laurie Arnold Avatar
    COL (Ret) Todd and Laurie Arnold

    Our condolences to the Murphy family. Tom was a great professional and better person. His knowledge of military finance helped so many of us in the 98th. He will be missed. Rest In Peace.

  14. Steve and Barb Olchek Avatar
    Steve and Barb Olchek

    Our deepest sympathies on the loss of Tom. He was an intelligent person with a really good sense of humor . May he Rest In Peace.

  15. Sherm Safford Avatar
    Sherm Safford

    I worked with Tom for five years in the IG office at the 98th Division HQ. Highly professional, impressively knowledgeable in his field and a great team member.. Besides, Tom was my friend and will be greatly missed. Peace brother. Sherm Safford SGM Retired

  16. H. Scott Enter LTC (Ret) Avatar
    H. Scott Enter LTC (Ret)

    Tom was a fine man and a great professional soldier, My sincere condolences to his family.

  17. Jim Williams LTC (RET) Avatar
    Jim Williams LTC (RET)

    Tom ensured the 98th Division spent its money legally and effectively and supervised the pay and Army credit card systems for our soldiers. He also was a warm, funny, and effective manager and a great friend. I’ll see you again on the other side, Tom.

  18. MSG(Ret)Cynthia Fien Avatar
    MSG(Ret)Cynthia Fien

    I worked cross the hall from him at the Webster USARC and later worked with him at the 1159th USAR School as a reservist. Tom was always very helpful and a good person to know. He will be missed.
    My prayers and sincere condolences to Tom’s family.

  19. CSM (RET) Chuck Boehnke Avatar
    CSM (RET) Chuck Boehnke

    Please accept my condolences in Tom’s passing. It was my privilege and honor to serve with Tom at the 98th Division HQ.. His knowledge and humor will be sorely missed!

  20. Charles and Nancy Moynihan Avatar
    Charles and Nancy Moynihan

    I served with Tom at the 1159th School and around Division Headquarters for a number of years. He was always helpful and most professional and would make the extra efforts to help us be completely successful! He was a dedicated soldier and as it turns out, friend. Nancy and I knew Tom and Karen socially and we’d share dinner outings. More recently I’ve run into Tom at Wegmans sometimes and we’d chat and catch up. He was a man of deep faith and an inspiration to me and many. We’ll miss him; he’s in a better place now! Nancy and I offer his family our condolences and prayers.

  21. Bernie Sampson Avatar
    Bernie Sampson

    So sorry for your loss. I loved talking with Tom in the Parish Center during CYO season. I was there a lot for CYO Basketball game preparation and Tom was there daily, walking, checking on the kitchen, and doing anything that needed to be done. He was great to talk with and had such a wonderful outlook on life and his faith. Having served in the military myself, we had that to talk about as well. His NYC accent and physical features reminded me so much of my favorite uncle! I will miss him. Just know that he touched many lives and was a wonderful man! Blessings to your family during this time of loss. RIP Chief.