Thomas F. Murphy Sr.

Thomas F. Murphy, Sr. Retired SubMaster, Lowell High School LOWELL Thomas F. Murphy, Sr., age 96, died Sunday, November 23, 2008, surrounded by his loved ones. He was married for 44 years to his wife and best friend, Helena (Byrt) Murphy who passed away in 1986. He was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on August 9, 1912, the son of the late Thomas F. and the late Pauline (Delmore) Murphy. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, as a lecturer and trainer for recruits, After the war ended, he returned to Lowell and was hired as a teacher for the returning veteran's classes, which he truly enjoyed. He later was appointed Freshman Advisor and several years after he was named to the position of SubMaster at Lowell High School, of he served for 22 years. He retired in 1977 and spent his remaining years as a loving husband, and supportive father in his children's lives. At the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of Lowell High School in 1981, where the cafeteria was dedicated to him, the plaque reads: "With humor and understanding, he supervised the comings and goings of decades of Lowell High School students. This cafeteria is dedicated to his belief in them." He was a communicant of St. Margaret Church and a member of the National and the Massachusetts Retired Teachers Association, of which he served as President. He is survived by five children, Thomas F. Murphy, Jr,, Garry P. Murphy and his wife, Norma, Kathleen M. Akashian and her husband, Bruce, Gregory J. Murphy, and Kevin J. Murphy and his wife, Ann, all of Lowell. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Brian, Kerry and Brendan Akashian; Jason and Matthew Blodgett; and Kevin and Thomas Murphy; four great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, including two dear nieces, Alexandra Graham and Matryann Mulcahey; and his sister-in-law, Patricia Byrt Quinn. He was also the brother of the late Florence Cryan, the late Pauline Graham, Martina Southwick, Ann Winnis, Robert Murphy, Vincent Murphy and John Murphy. MURPHY In Lowell, November 23, 2008, at Wingate, Thomas F. Murphy, Sr., age 96, retired SubMaster at Lowell High School, and husband of the late Helena (Byrt) Murphy. Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 3 to 8 P.M. Tuesday. His funeral will take place from the Funeral Home Wednesday morning at 8:30 o'clock followed by a Celebration of Life at St. Margaret Church at 9:30 o'clock. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Thomas F. and Helena B. Murphy Scholarship Fund at LHS, 50 French St., Lowell, MA 01852. E-condolence/ directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com.. Arrangements by Funeral Directors John W. Crane and James F. O'Donnell, Jr. (978 or 866) 458-8768.