Thomas C. Murphy

Tom Murphy, 81, of Pittsburgh, PA, after a decade with well-controlled leukemia and recently with pancreatic cancer, was called to his eternal rest on February 3, 2026. He is preceded in death by his parents Thomas Sr. and Marie and his second wife Paula Hill. He is survived by his first wife Carole of Pittsburgh, their son Flynn of New York City, and loving partner Allyson Walker of Pittsburgh.

A Pittsburgh lifer, Tom grew up in the suburbs and spent his sunset years in the city, just minutes from Three Rivers Stadium. He earned a liberal arts degree from Duquesne University and a masters from the University of Pittsburgh. Immediately after undergrad, Tom began his working life teaching English in Mt. Lebanon, in the same neighborhood where he was born. He finished his career by spending one year at his alma mater Seton LaSalle, formerly South Hills Catholic High School. Between these bookends, he taught in the English Department at Shady Side Academy for four decades, living on the campus in Fox Chapel for 25 years and raising his son there.

While a towering 6'7" basketball player and coach in his prime, he was admired for his accessible teaching style. Seated together alongside students around a large table, he fostered collaborative learning and lively discussion about literature and life.

With his students and wide circle of friends, he shared his love of literature and the arts, sports, and a well-crafted turn of phrase. The seeds of his late-life poetry chapbook "At First Light: The Sound of Things" were planted during all the years Tom spent teaching Creative Writing and bringing over 75 authors to the Academy to discuss their work.

A patron of the Pittsburgh Aviary, Tom took great pleasure in his garden and his birds, in particular three beloved conure parrots. Ever the teacher, Tom donated his remains to science so that future generations may learn.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the loving care he received from his care team, administrators, staff and aides at Brookdale Senior Living Mt. Lebanon, Bridges Hospice, and Rita's Home Care. A Memorial Celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Anthony M. Musmanno Funeral Home and the Humanity Gifts Registry of Pennsylvania.