Thomas "Tom" Murphy

1934 - 2025

Thomas M. Murphy passed away peacefully on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Berkshire Place surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 22, 1934 in Pittsfield, he is the son of the late Francis T. and Mary Jane Robinson Murphy. Educated in the local schools, he is a 1953 graduate of Pittsfield High School.

Enlisting in the U.S. Army following graduation, he served in the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning specializing in anti-aircraft guns(ack-ack). Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Tom worked in the beverage distribution business 45 years for the major distributors including: Mohawk Beverage, Kelly Dietrich, Girardi's, and Fahey Beverage where he was known by his customers as "Shaeffer T" or "Murph". In retirement, Tom worked part-time as a courier for The Berkshire Eagle and Berkshire Bank; and at Wahconah Park where he hosted "Murph's Corner".

Tom's love of sports was an integral part of his life. Whether playing or coaching, Tom cherished the memories made and friendships formed on the athletic fields or basketball court. He enjoyed sharing those memories, including the games from the Thomas Memorials or the "Mud Bowl" with his children and grandchildren. In 2007, he was elected to the Pittsfield Basketball Hall of Fame. One of his greatest joys was sharing in the athletic and academic achievements of his children and grandchildren. Tom was a fan of the Green Bay Packers, Celtics, Red Sox, and Tri-City ValleyCats.

Tom was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, the former Joan E. Duda. They enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and sharing their home with friends and family. Listening to the Red Sox game while working in the yard or sitting on their deck was a perfect Saturday afternoon.

He is survived by his children, Joe Murphy, his wife Sharon, and their daughter, Haylee, of South Glastonbury, Conn., Paula Keif, her husband Chris, and their son, Michael, of Marshfield, Mass., Rick Murphy, his wife Jackie, of Lanesboro, Mass.; Jamie Murphy and her daughter, Nyiah, of Holiday, Fla.; sister-in-law Jackie Lemmerhirt; his brothers: John, Patrick and Mark; his sister: Patricia Jarvis; and numerous relatives: cousins, nephews and nieces.

Tom was predeceased by his sisters, Margaret Gregory, Anne Carroll, Rita Welch, Catherine Higgins, Mary Ellen Goodnow and brothers Bernard, Michael and William Murphy.

Tom's family would like to thank the caregivers and the neighbors for keeping an eye on "Mr. Murph", the unofficial "Mayor of Louise St."

Funeral Notice:

Funeral services for Tom will be Friday, August 29, 2025, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10am at St. Joseph's Church. Entombment will follow in St. Michael the Archangel Mausoleum in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 4pm to 6pm at the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home in Pittsfield, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA, 01201.

Memorial donations in Tom's memory may be made to the Berkshire County Jimmy Fund or Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (Formerly JDRF) in care of the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home.

Please visit www.dwyerfuneral.com to leave condolences and remembrances.