Rev. Fr. Timothy John Murphy

HAMPDEN – Rev. Father Timothy John Murphy, 76, longtime pastor of St. Mary Parish in Hampden, died on Saturday, January 14, 2023. Born in Springfield, on April 25, 1946, he was the son of the late John J. and Mary A. (Hallahan) Murphy. A graduate of Cathedral High School in Springfield, he attended St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, CT; studied philosophy at St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore; and completed priesthood studies at Mount St. Mary, Emmitsburg, Md. He was ordained a transitional deacon at Mount St. Mary, Emmitsburg, and served his diaconate at Holy Name Parish in Springfield, and Notre Dame Parish in North Adams. Fr. Murphy was ordained on March 23, 1974 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Springfield by the late Most Reverend Christopher J. Weldon, Bishop of Springfield. Father Murphy served as an assistant at Notre Dame Parish, North Adams; St. Joseph Parish, Pittsfield; Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Westfield; and St. Patrick Parish, South Hadley. He was appointed to the Ministry to Priests Program on April 29, 1980. He completed graduate studies at Boston College from 1982-1984; and was a faculty member and appointed chaplain of Our Lady of the Elms College, Chicopee on Sept. 1, 1984, serving in that role until 1991. Father Murphy’s diocesan appointments included advocate and notary; staff member of Marriage Counseling Office; Ecumenical Commission; Permanent Diaconate Board; director of the Permanent Diaconate Program; and chairman of the Diocesan AIDS Task Force. He served as pastor of St. Mary Parish, Hampden from 1997-2019, when he became pastor emeritus. He had resided at Providence Place in Holyoke and most recently The Reserve at East Longmeadow. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Beth Murphy. He is survived by four cousins, Timothy Hallahan and his wife Ann of Longmeadow, Kathleen Nozzolillo, Mary White both of Springfield, John Mezetti and his wife Emily of Hyannis, and extended family and many good friends.  Fr. Murphy’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Mrs. Sue Wehner, RN, BSN, the Wellness Coordinator for the Diocese of Springfield.  Sue’s constant care, support, love and medical expertise during the past five years is very much appreciated.  Sue, along with his family, guided and advocated the best quality of life for Fr. Tim.  They also extend their thanks to the staff of Daybrook Village Nursing Center for the outstanding care and comfort they provided to Fr. Tim during this last week. The wake for Father Murphy will be held on Friday, Jan 20, 2023 from 3-5pm at St. Mary’s Church, 27 Somers Road, Hampden with a Wake Service at 5pm.  A concelebrated Funeral Mass, with the Most Reverend William D. Byrne, Bishop of Springfield as the principle celebrant, will be Saturday at 10:30am at St. Mary’s Church.  The burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Springfield.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Church, 27 Somers Road, Hampden, MA 01036 or to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104