Thomas R. Murphy

On December 11, 2018 of Washington Twp. Age 91.  Beloved husband of the late Ruth E. (nee Jackson).  Devoted father of Margaret Mulherin (Francis), Stephen Murphy (Kathleen), Patricia Madden (Fred), Mary Kay Fitzgibbon, Susan Hopkins (Richard), Matthew (Michelle) and the late Thomas Michael Murphy.  Loving grandfather of Megan, Mollie, Erin, Tricia, Casey, Maureen, Daniel, Hillary, Lauren, Frederick, Kyle, Shane, Colin, Ryan, Shane, Brianna, Brendan and Haley.  Proud great-grandfather of Kyra, Jace, Sera, Emily, Nora, Kaylee, Thomas, Ryan, Alyssa, Michael, Ava-Jo, David, Madeline, Jeffrey, Alana, Adam, Matteo, Mia, Andrew, Declan, Emma, Everly Faith and Avalyn.

Thomas R. Murphy

Tom Murphy “Murph” was born February 6, 1927 at home. He always believed that his birthday was February 7^th until he reached the age of 65 when Medicare told him it was the 6^th. He lived in Philadelphia with his parents Daniel and Regina Murphy and older brother (Daniel) and sister (Sissy). Times were tough in the 1920s and families struggled.  Tom’s sister passed away at age 5.  He lived in many homes growing up due to his family issues. He attended St. Thomas More School in Philadelphia during the school year and he often talked about living on a working farm in Lancaster during the summer. He also lived with his Aunt Bessie who passed away when Tom was 16.  Returning to an empty apartment after her death and without food, he decided to enlist in the Navy.

Tom served in World War II in the South Pacific. He often talked about living on fruit cocktail for months while on the US Currituck, AV-7, a plane tender.  He served his country and returned to Philadelphia where he met the love of his life Ruth Jackson.  They were married in 1948 in Elkton Maryland.

Tom worked in South Philadelphia at the Gulf Oil Refinery first as a fireman and later as a still man and shift foreman on the catalyst cracker.

Ruth and Tom lived in Cardington in a small row home on Perry Avenue. Tom began volunteering as a fireman with the Cardington Fire Department.  The couple were proud parents to Tommy Mike, Peggy and Stephen.

1956 brought tragedy to this young family as Tommy Mike, age 6 was killed on his way to school. Ruth and Tom supported each other through this time and their marriage and faith grew stronger.

A year later they had a daughter, Patti and it was time to move to Drexel Hill, Pa. Tom continued to work and volunteer. Daughter, Mary-Kay was born 3 years later, and the house was getting tight.  There was another move in their lives to New Jersey in 1963.  They settled in Washington Township where Tom joined the Washington Township Ambulance Squad.  He loved helping people when they needed him most.

Tom also was a coach for the Washington Township Youth Sports, baseball and football. He coached for many years.  While living in New Jersey there were two additional children born, Susan and Matthew.

He also worked many part-time jobs at James Place in Blackwood, Township & Heights Liquors. He retired from Gulf Oil in the 1980s and began a new career as the Coordinator for Emergency Management in Washington Township and later the same position for the County of Gloucester.

Tom was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post #6332, and the American Legion. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He continued his volunteerism until the age of 90 when he retired as a Trustee for the Washington Township Ambulance Squad.

He was a true volunteer. His love was very evident for his family, town, county and country.  He always was known for flying an American flag and his Irish heritage.  He was a true Hero.

Last year his wife died on December 4, 2017 and was buried on December 11, 2017. Ironically, Tom passed away on December 11, 2018 to reunite with his wife and son in a new place to live on for eternity.

Tom leaves behind 6 adult children, 18 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Tuesday 7:00-9:00 pm and Wednesday 9:00-10:00 am at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Rd., Washington Twp. Funeral service 10:00 am.  Interment, Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Veterans Helping Veterans, Veterans Advisory Council, P.O. Box 337, Woodbury, NJ 08096.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.egizifuneral.com

“A Life Well Lived

Is Worth Remembering”