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Thomas H. Murray, of Blackwood, New Jersey, died at home on 9 February 2011. Tom was born in 1917 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one of seven children of John and Elizabeth Murray. He met the love of his life, Terry Lucci, at a dance in South Philly; they married on 16 September 1944. He held aContinue Reading
Thomas H. Murray, of Blackwood, New Jersey, died at home on 9 February 2011. Tom was born in 1917 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one of seven children of John and Elizabeth Murray. He met the love of his life, Terry Lucci, at a dance in South Philly; they married on 16 September 1944. He held a variety of jobs as a young man including a newsstand at Broad and Locust Streets, where his regular customers included Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, the Three Stooges, Rogers Hornsby, Bert Bell, Frank Rizzo, and assorted gamblers who tried to borrow money. He earned his high school equivalency degree while working at the Philadelphia Navy Shipyard. Hearing loss prevented him from enlisting, but he was proud of his work during World War II building the battleships New Jersey and Wisconsin and worked on catapults and arresting gear for the US Navy. Tom took college courses at night at Drexel University. He worked as a civilian inspector for the Navy until his retirement. But he continued his work as a master watchmaker until just before his death, including a term as president of the regional watchmakers guild, and as official clock repairman on the USS New Jersey.
Tom loved sports. He enjoyed golf and bowling, and he followed Philadelphia professional teams, most of all his beloved Phillies. He shared his expert knowledge of watchmaking with generations of students. Tom was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. There was never a more joyful and generous grandfather and great grandfather. In later years Tom sang with the Pine Barons and the Singing Angels, entertaining countless people in concert halls, nursing homes, and other venues with his beautiful clear, resonant voice. His much requested a cappella version of ?When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New? brought joy to many hearts and tears to many eyes.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years Columbia Terry Lucci Murray. He is also survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Steve Gussow of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, his son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Cynthia Murray of Cold Spring, New York, grandchildren Kathleen Murray, Dominique Turco, Peter Murray, and Heather Losey, and great-grandchildren Grace and Cooper Rennie and Tess and Alice Turco. He was predeceased by granddaughter Emily Murray.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Saturday 9:45 ? 10:45 am at St. Jude?s RC Church/Our Lady of Hope Parish, 420 Black Horse Pike, Blackwood. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am. Entombment New St. Mary?s Cemetery, Bellmawr. Arrangements EGIZI FUNERAL HOME, Washington Twp.
Donations may be directed to the Emily Murray Fund at The Hastings Center, 21 Malcolm Gordon Road, Garrison, NY, 10524, or the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, 801 Roeder Road, Suite 1000, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering.”
George Talbott
left a message on February 12, 2011:
Donna, Steve and family. You are in our hearts and prayers. We hope that your father enjoyed a long and happy life.
Warm Regards,
The Talbotts
Harriet and Stanley Gussow
left a message on February 12, 2011:
Dear Terry and Family,
Tom was an inspiration to all because he was full of life and enthusiasm and always had a smile for everyone. He will be missed by all.
Marilyn and Jay Palefsky
left a message on February 11, 2011:
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Murray family. We will savor the memory of Tom Sr. at the Garden Club picnic where he entertained and delighted everyone with his singing, moving from table to table. It was evening, the sun was setting as we sat on the Fadden's deck listening to his incredibly clear voice and favorite old tunes. He showed us how to enjoy the moment.
Jennifer Loucks
left a message on February 11, 2011:
Tom Murray..First, I recall his warmth and sense of humor,there was never an obstacle in life that he was afraid to tackle,his wit,along with a never ending sense of humor toward Life was unique,to say the least.. and he was one of the most optimistic individuals I have ever met.
He was always on task to offer a kind word or some sound advice to younger folks who crossed his path.
I grew up fatherless,yet felt fortunate to have been close to his daughter, and have had through the years,the experiance of witnessing what a wonderful parent and role model ought to represent.
My hearfelt prayers for comfort go out to his lovely wife,who I admire deeply.
Also my thoughts and prayers extend to his many loved ones who have had the good fortune of his care and company,to have known and been thankful for the "sunshine" that was authentic and will eternally be... Tom Murray.
May God give strength and touch the lives of all who sorrow at this difficult time.
Matt Kathy, Grace and Cooper
left a message on February 10, 2011:
I'll remember Pop-Pop as someone who left everything better than he found it -- whether that was a watch, a squeaky hinge, or a person. Whether it was from study or experience or intuition, he had a keen sense of how things were supposed to work -- and a sense of near-obligation to fix them when they weren't. Many can look at their wrists for a reminder of how Tom could make things work the way they're supposed to. Closer friends or family members might also have a faucet that no longer drips or a doorknob that no longer turns awkwardly. I recall the mixed feelings of discovering that my grandfather-in-law, in his mid-80s and in town for a visit, had brought a set of ancient tools along with him. He remembered a problem we'd described with our upstairs shower and figured he'd help as long as he was here anyway.
"You know much about plumbing?" I asked.
"Ah, sure," he replied. "We'll just take it apart and figure it out."
And he did.
But the fix I'll remember most occurred at his house in Blackwood. We'd brought his great-granddaughter with us for her first visit, and she was cranky as she was beautiful. Short of being held by her mom, very little ever kept her happy for long and virtually nothing calmed her down once she was upset. As we packed the car to leave, she began to wail when we laid her on the bed. She needed a fresh diaper for the trip but apparently didn't share that opinion.
The prudent move would have been to walk away -- or at least turn down your hearing aid. Pop-pop wandered further into the room and began to sing. "You Are My Sunshine" first I think. Then maybe "Danny Boy." Amazingly, Gracie Girl fell silent and listened. Nothing before -- or some might suggest since -- had held her attention so rapt.
Another situation fixed.
Finally, I'll remember the last time I saw him -- physically weakened, likely spiritually challenged. He looked up from his chair, smiled wide and offered the same "Hey-hey!" as the first time I met him 14 years earlier. And in those greetings, he'd improve things in you that you didn't know needed fixing.
Like the watches and the faucets and the doorknobs, we're all better from having been touched by him.
Heaven's in store for some improvements.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Margaret & Gabe Levinson
left a message on February 10, 2011:
Our love and condolences to the Murray family as they mourn the loss of Tom Sr. The beautiful heirloom grandfather clock he created will be a constant reminder of his presence. We are grateful to have known such a warm, genuine and kind man as Tom's father.
John Busciacco
left a message on February 10, 2011:
Dear Terry, Tom and Donna and families, know how saddened I am to learn of Tom's passing. He was a great person and wonderful Godfather. I will always treasure my memories of you both when I was young and used to spend the night at your house playing with Tommy and Donna. One particular New Year's Eve 1960 when I took the bus from Philly and spent the night and Tommy and frirends made recordings of shows. What a night and we celebrated every hour on the hour until we both collapsed.
My love and prayers are with you, sorry I am unable to make the trip back at this time.
Much Love;
Butchie
Judy Aberle Tarr
left a message on February 10, 2011:
I feel very privileged to have known Tom Sr. I actually got to hear him sing "When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New" a number of times, and what was inspiring about it was that each time it was as if he was singing it for the first time as it was so full of feeling....love...and that was Tom Sr.
Frank and Jeanne Trainer
left a message on February 10, 2011:
Tom
You are in our thoughts. Frank and Jeanne
Antonia Maiorini
left a message on February 10, 2011:
Sorry for your loss. Tom lived a rich life. I have only fond memories of him. I will keep him in my prayers.
betty and willard gaylin
left a message on February 10, 2011:
Did not have the privilege of knowing Mr. Murray, but his son Tom testifies to the character, integrity and kindness that must represent the values of his Father. Our condolences to the extended Murray family. Betty and Will Gaylin
Greg Kaebnick
left a message on February 10, 2011:
Dear Tom and Cynthia,
Tom senior sounds like a wonderful, wonderful man. I'm very sorry about the loss, and I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.
-- Greg
Joshua Boger
left a message on February 10, 2011:
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the family. His life reads of the joy and precision and dignity that I recognize in his son Tom.
Singing Angels
left a message on February 10, 2011:
It is with profound sorrow that The Singing Angels mourn the passing of their friend Tom Murray.Tom was a joy to know, and a joy to hear sing - particularly "When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New" and "Danny Boy" - a favorite performed during our March Irish program. When he sang "Old Wedding Ring" he was proud to hold up his left hand and tell the audience how long he had been married to his best friend. His wonderful tenor voice brought smiles and tears to those to whom he sang, both audiences and fellow Singing Angels. He was courageous in rough times, and always kept his positive outlook. We will miss Tom, as will many of the folks we entertain. Our hearts go out to the family, and we offer our prayers to our gracious Lord for His peace and comfort at this sad time.
The Singing Angels
Paul McCullough
left a message on February 9, 2011:
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a great guy who always made us laugh and smile. He will be missed.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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George Talbott
left a message on February 12, 2011:
Donna, Steve and family. You are in our hearts and prayers. We hope that your father enjoyed a long and happy life.
Warm Regards,
The Talbotts
Harriet and Stanley Gussow
left a message on February 12, 2011:
Dear Terry and Family,
Tom was an inspiration to all because he was full of life and enthusiasm and always had a smile for everyone. He will be missed by all.
Marilyn and Jay Palefsky
left a message on February 11, 2011:
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Murray family. We will savor the memory of Tom Sr. at the Garden Club picnic where he entertained and delighted everyone with his singing, moving from table to table. It was evening, the sun was setting as we sat on the Fadden's deck listening to his incredibly clear voice and favorite old tunes. He showed us how to enjoy the moment.
Jennifer Loucks
left a message on February 11, 2011:
Tom Murray..First, I recall his warmth and sense of humor,there was never an obstacle in life that he was afraid to tackle,his wit,along with a never ending sense of humor toward Life was unique,to say the least.. and he was one of the most optimistic individuals I have ever met.
He was always on task to offer a kind word or some sound advice to younger folks who crossed his path.
I grew up fatherless,yet felt fortunate to have been close to his daughter, and have had through the years,the experiance of witnessing what a wonderful parent and role model ought to represent.
My hearfelt prayers for comfort go out to his lovely wife,who I admire deeply.
Also my thoughts and prayers extend to his many loved ones who have had the good fortune of his care and company,to have known and been thankful for the "sunshine" that was authentic and will eternally be... Tom Murray.
May God give strength and touch the lives of all who sorrow at this difficult time.
Matt Kathy, Grace and Cooper
left a message on February 10, 2011:
I'll remember Pop-Pop as someone who left everything better than he found it -- whether that was a watch, a squeaky hinge, or a person. Whether it was from study or experience or intuition, he had a keen sense of how things were supposed to work -- and a sense of near-obligation to fix them when they weren't. Many can look at their wrists for a reminder of how Tom could make things work the way they're supposed to. Closer friends or family members might also have a faucet that no longer drips or a doorknob that no longer turns awkwardly. I recall the mixed feelings of discovering that my grandfather-in-law, in his mid-80s and in town for a visit, had brought a set of ancient tools along with him. He remembered a problem we'd described with our upstairs shower and figured he'd help as long as he was here anyway.
"You know much about plumbing?" I asked.
"Ah, sure," he replied. "We'll just take it apart and figure it out."
And he did.
But the fix I'll remember most occurred at his house in Blackwood. We'd brought his great-granddaughter with us for her first visit, and she was cranky as she was beautiful. Short of being held by her mom, very little ever kept her happy for long and virtually nothing calmed her down once she was upset. As we packed the car to leave, she began to wail when we laid her on the bed. She needed a fresh diaper for the trip but apparently didn't share that opinion.
The prudent move would have been to walk away -- or at least turn down your hearing aid. Pop-pop wandered further into the room and began to sing. "You Are My Sunshine" first I think. Then maybe "Danny Boy." Amazingly, Gracie Girl fell silent and listened. Nothing before -- or some might suggest since -- had held her attention so rapt.
Another situation fixed.
Finally, I'll remember the last time I saw him -- physically weakened, likely spiritually challenged. He looked up from his chair, smiled wide and offered the same "Hey-hey!" as the first time I met him 14 years earlier. And in those greetings, he'd improve things in you that you didn't know needed fixing.
Like the watches and the faucets and the doorknobs, we're all better from having been touched by him.
Heaven's in store for some improvements.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Margaret & Gabe Levinson
left a message on February 10, 2011:
Our love and condolences to the Murray family as they mourn the loss of Tom Sr. The beautiful heirloom grandfather clock he created will be a constant reminder of his presence. We are grateful to have known such a warm, genuine and kind man as Tom's father.
John Busciacco
left a message on February 10, 2011:
Dear Terry, Tom and Donna and families, know how saddened I am to learn of Tom's passing. He was a great person and wonderful Godfather. I will always treasure my memories of you both when I was young and used to spend the night at your house playing with Tommy and Donna. One particular New Year's Eve 1960 when I took the bus from Philly and spent the night and Tommy and frirends made recordings of shows. What a night and we celebrated every hour on the hour until we both collapsed.
My love and prayers are with you, sorry I am unable to make the trip back at this time.
Much Love;
Butchie
Judy Aberle Tarr
left a message on February 10, 2011:
I feel very privileged to have known Tom Sr. I actually got to hear him sing "When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New" a number of times, and what was inspiring about it was that each time it was as if he was singing it for the first time as it was so full of feeling....love...and that was Tom Sr.
Frank and Jeanne Trainer
left a message on February 10, 2011:
Tom
You are in our thoughts. Frank and Jeanne
Antonia Maiorini
left a message on February 10, 2011:
Sorry for your loss. Tom lived a rich life. I have only fond memories of him. I will keep him in my prayers.
betty and willard gaylin
left a message on February 10, 2011:
Did not have the privilege of knowing Mr. Murray, but his son Tom testifies to the character, integrity and kindness that must represent the values of his Father. Our condolences to the extended Murray family. Betty and Will Gaylin
Greg Kaebnick
left a message on February 10, 2011:
Dear Tom and Cynthia,
Tom senior sounds like a wonderful, wonderful man. I'm very sorry about the loss, and I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.
-- Greg
Joshua Boger
left a message on February 10, 2011:
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the family. His life reads of the joy and precision and dignity that I recognize in his son Tom.
Singing Angels
left a message on February 10, 2011:
It is with profound sorrow that The Singing Angels mourn the passing of their friend Tom Murray.Tom was a joy to know, and a joy to hear sing - particularly "When Your Old Wedding Ring Was New" and "Danny Boy" - a favorite performed during our March Irish program. When he sang "Old Wedding Ring" he was proud to hold up his left hand and tell the audience how long he had been married to his best friend. His wonderful tenor voice brought smiles and tears to those to whom he sang, both audiences and fellow Singing Angels. He was courageous in rough times, and always kept his positive outlook. We will miss Tom, as will many of the folks we entertain. Our hearts go out to the family, and we offer our prayers to our gracious Lord for His peace and comfort at this sad time.
The Singing Angels
Paul McCullough
left a message on February 9, 2011:
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a great guy who always made us laugh and smile. He will be missed.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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