Thomas Murphy

MURPHY, THOMAS PATRICK October 7, 1942 August 22, 2013 Tom Murphy was born on October 7, 1942, in Yonkers, New York, the son of Bartholomew (Bart) and Ida Cesarotti Murphy. He died on August 22, 2013 at Anne Arundel Medical Center following a long battle with congestive heart failure. Tom grew up in Yonkers of Irish-Italian heritage. After graduating from Cardinal Hayes High School, he reported to the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1961. He worked through the academic curriculum and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. In athletic programs, Tom rowed crew and played Rugby. After graduation with the class of 1965 from the USNA, he attended Naval Aviation training and earned his wings in 1966. Tom flew all weather and night A6 bombing missions over North Vietnam in 1967 and 1968. He was later awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Crosses, Air Medals, and other distinguished commendations. Tom continued his career in the Information Technology arena working on various Defense programs with government contractors. In 1971, Tom earned a Master's Degree from the George Washington University's Tidewater Center in Information Systems, and in 1980, he earned a second Master's Degree in Financial Management from Southeastern University. Tom is survived by his wife, Brenda, of Crofton, MD; Daughters, Kelly (Rob) Curtis, of Jacksonville, FL and Karen (Kenny) McClain, of Frederick, MD; Son, Sean Murphy of California; three step-children, Todd (Marcy) Cox of Cary, NC, Christina (Tami) Cox-Franklin of Crofton, MD, and Nickole (Tim) Darden of Rowlett, TX; Sister, Michele (Louis) Quirolo of MT Vernon, NY; Niece, Stephanie (Lee) Sheridan of Bronx, NY; Nephew, David (Brian) Quirolo-Tjugum of London, England; twelve grandchildren; and other nieces and nephews. Tom will always be remembered by his By Line, "There I was, flat on my back." A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 28 at 10:30 AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Road, Annapolis, with inurnment to follow at the U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be mailed to the AWCF, P.O. Box 877, Silver Spring, MD 20918 (please put "In memory of Tom Murphy" on the memo line of the check) or by going to the homepage at www.airwarriorcourage.org (click "donate", then click "give direct"; fill in the blanks and in the "comments" block, put "In memory of Tom Murphy"). Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnmtaylorfuneralhome.com.