Thomas L. Murtaugh

Thomas L. Murtaugh, age 70, of Bel Air, MD passed away on January 29, 2013 at his home. Born in Atlantic City, NJ, he was the son of the late Thomas Harris and Theresa Lombardi Murtaugh. He was a resident of Harford County for 30 years. He attended Temple University and earned a Masters Degree in Psychology. He obtained his Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Delaware. He worked at Byberry State Hospital in Philadelphia, as well as, the Delaware State Prison. In the late 1970's, he helped establish the Vet Center in Elkton which was the first Outpatient Veterans Center. He was employed for 24 years at the Veterans Administration as a Clinical and Research Psychologist. Dr. Murtaugh was internationally known as an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He served in Washington and later was involved in the hostage negotiations program. He had a keen insight to human psychology and was generous with his time and love for others. He was an avid collector of many things especially books, movies and rocks. He loved baseball and yard sales, was a member of the American Pirate Association, and enjoyed sailing, scuba diving and building model planes. Dr. Murtaugh is survived by his wife, Josephine Magness-Murtaugh of Bel Air, MD; son Thomas V. Murtaugh and wife, Melissa, of North East; daughters, Brenna Talbard and husband, Michael, of Bel Air and Cristin Murtaugh Harrington and husband, Harry, of Aberdeen; stepchildren, John Magness Jr. and wife, Deborah, of Forest Hill, Paul Magness of Bel Air, Jacquelyn Seneschal and husband, Phillip, of Bel Air, Anne Kidwell of Bel Air, Clare Alsharif and husband, Issam, of Rockford, IL, Mary Helen Schimminger and husband, Joseph, of Bel Air and Jane Magness of Bel Air; sister, Maryangela Greveris of Churchville; 33 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara Anne Murtaugh and his son, Daniel George Murtaugh. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to any of the following locations: VAMHCS Voluntary Services , c/o The Vet Center, 103 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite A, Elkton, MD 21921 and on the check please note in memory of Thomas L. Murtaugh or the Vietnam Veterans of America, 6401 Beckley St., Baltimore, MD 21224 or Carmelite Nuns of Baltimore, 1318 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, MD 21204 or The Harford County Public Library Foundation, 1221-A Brass Mill Road, Belcamp, MD 21017.