MURPHY, Thomas Francis Jr. Age 86, of South Wellfleet formerly of Milton, MA, son of Katherine and Tom, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones (his “girls”) after a long, brave battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Beloved husband of Charlotte (Shepherd) Murphy for 61 years. Devoted father of Thomas the 3rd, Charles and his wife Kristin, Charlotte Sullivan, and Gregory and his wife Amber. Loving grandfather of nine including Josephine (Josie) Frances Sullivan, Charlotte Rose Sullivan, Devin Murphy, Thomas F. Murphy 4th, Lucas (Luke) Murphy, Katherine (Katya) Murphy, Miles Murphy, Liam Murphy, and Ava Murphy. Tom was the proud brother of six sisters. He is survived by sisters Anne, Katherine (Katie), Mary and Patricia, while predeceased by sisters Ellen and twin sister Margaret (Margie). He is survived by sister-in-law Elaine Thibault and brother-in-laws Charles (Chuck) Shepherd and Richard Christensen. He is predeceased by brother-in-laws Thomas Mahony, William Davis, and James Hanifin. He also is survived by many (33!) nieces and nephews including his godchildren Donna Mahony, Patty (Delbou) Booker, Kathleen (Hanifin) Davis, Katherine (Kathy) Murphy and granddaughter, Charlotte Rose Sullivan.
Tom graduated from St. Mary’s of Brookline, MA and later in life went on to graduate from Northeastern University. Tom served as a medic in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He worked for 38 years at the Boston Edison where he served many years as Vice President of the Union and in later years, was recruited into management due to his communication skills. Upon retirement, he became a certified nurse assistant where he went on to help others in need. Tom was involved in community service ranging from PTO president for his children’s elementary school, baseball coach, Scoutmaster for Troop 6 in Milton, and serving as a Town Meeting member for countless years in the town of Milton. Tom was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was consistently an active member of his church where he often helped out with services.
Tom enjoyed his family and his hobbies. He attended Red Sox games and watched the Patriots on tv. He and his wife Charlotte especially loved rooting on the Boston College Eagles football team when they had season tickets, initially to watch their daughter Charlotte as a twirler on the field, but then they became avid fans of the team. At home, he loved to whip up some blueberry pancakes for breakfast and he was always in charge of the Sunday dinners and the big holiday meals. He made many recipes from scratch including clam chowder, lobster bisque, stuffing, and even enjoyed a relaxing glass of sangria from time to time. He loved being outside and spent countless hours gardening around his home in South Wellfleet. He would say his prayers daily as he watered the numerous arborvitaes that he had planted along with the rhododendrons. He enjoyed golfing with his family whether on Cape Cod or in Tampa, Florida. He enjoyed walking with his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and especially with his dogs over the years. He fundraised and walked numerous times for both the Walk for Hunger and the Jimmy Fund walk. Encouraged by his son, Charlie, he took up running in his 50s and ran in Tampa, FL, Wellfleet, and even the Falmouth Road Race alongside Charlie. Tom also loved to get the family in the car and go for a drive which often ended up with an ice cream at Crescent Ridge Dairy in Sharon. He loved his seasonal rides along the Mohawk Trail. Later in life, he drove with his wife, Charlotte, to Tampa where they were snowbirds for over 15 years.
In Tampa, he was also able to spend time with both his sons, Charlie and Greg. They golfed together often, but further, Tom enjoyed the quality time he and his wife spent with both of their growing families. Greg was even fortunate enough to share his home in Florida with his parents where Greg was able to further deepen his bond and friendship with his Dad. Tom also drove across our scenic country to Colorado where he enjoyed the picturesque landscape and time with his son, Tom, and his family. When not out and about, Tom enjoyed watching a good old western movie on tv or listening to classical music.
Tom was rejuvenated when his grandchildren were born and he was a proud grandpa to all of his grandchildren. In particular, he was able to spend many quality hours and was very involved with Josie and Charlotte Rose where he got the nickname ‘Fluffy’ for his morning hair. He enjoyed square dancing with them in Wellfleet, watching sunsets with them at the beach, attending their numerous ballet recitals, and riding the Swan Boats with them each year. In general, Tom was a daily part of their lives and in turn they were a daily part of his, especially as they took on the role of caretaker for him in recent years. Tom was fortunate to have a life full of love and memorable experiences alongside his wife, Charlotte, his best friend and loving companion. Tom was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, godfather and so much more. Although Tom was a social butterfly and had the ‘gift of the gab’, as his condition progressed, he would often repeat several phrases including how: he loved his wife; he wanted to get in the car and go home; and he wanted to be with the girls which came to mean his daughter, Charlotte, and granddaughters, Josie and Charlotte Rose. To know Tom was to love Tom. Tom lived his life to the fullest as he was a man of solid character, integrity, deep roots, and unwavering devotion to family and friends, his faith, and his community. Tom came into the world crying while those around him rejoiced and he left this world rejoicing as those around him cried. Though we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the incredible life he lived and shared with his family, friends, faith, and community. We find comfort in knowing that Tom is at peace and as his wife always told him, his dogs were there to greet him at the ‘pearly gates’. His legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever. Simply put, the highest compliment he would give someone was to say, ‘You’re a good man (person).’ Clearly, he exemplified what a good man was in the way he led his life.
Visiting hours will be held at Casper Funeral Home, 187 Dorchester St, South Boston on Thursday, June 12th, from 4-7pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 13th at 10am at St. Agatha’s Church in Milton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Jimmy Fund, a cause close to Tom's heart, or to The Alzheimer’s Association.
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