Thomas W. Murphy, Jr.

Thomas W. Murphy Jr., passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 4, 2024. Born July 25, 1929, Tom was a resident of Robinson Township since 1954. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas William Murphy Sr. and Daisy (Russo) Murphy.

 

Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950 at the beginning of the Korean War and was Honorably Discharged in November 1953. He was an accomplished musician and was promoted to 1st Sergeant of the United States Air Force Military Band Indoctrination Training School. While serving, Tom married his one and only true love, Grace Marie Mahoney of Kennedy Township on September 11, 1951.

 

After fulfilling his service to the military, Tom attended flight school and earned all certifications. One of his first positions as a pilot was to ferry new aircraft into the New York area. He was then hired by Capital Airlines in 1956 where he flew as a contract pilot for US Steel for five years, until Capital Airlines merged with United Airlines in 1961. Tom was qualified on the Douglas DC-3, Super DC-3, DC-4, DC-6, DC-7, Vickers Viscount Turboprop, Boeing B-737 and Boeing B-727. He assisted as a Check Airman on the B-727 until retirement from United Airlines in 1985.

 

Tom and Grace were inseparable and traveled extensively by automobile for the next 13 years to the desert southwest and other parts of our beautiful country. As much as he loved flying and playing cards, his family always came first. As the children matured and became adults, no matter what age, he never hesitated in public or private to tell them, “I love you.” His wife said “He never failed to stand up for what was right and what he believed in.” He was a man that always had a handshake, smile, pleasant disposition, and a story about flying for every occasion. He was a man of deep faith and had an unwavering love for GOD.

 

Outside of flying, Tom had a rich life of hobbies and interests. He was a model airplane builder, award-winning automobile salesman, became involved in real estate sales, and overhauled and rebuilt earth-moving equipment along with hauling and excavating. He also enjoyed his hobbies of off-road motorcycling and competition go-kart racing.

 

Tom is survived by his loving wife Grace of 72 years; children Thomas G. (Kathy), Gregory Sr (Diane), Beth Ann (Robert), Christine L.; grandchildren Carolyn (Ryan), Leslie, Danielle (Brian), Gregory Jr., Sarah (William); and great grandchildren Jacob and Savannah Marie.

 

In lieu of flowers, in memory of Thomas Murphy please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or (www.stjude.org.)

 

Arrangements entrusted to McDERMOTT FUNERAL HOME, 334 Forest Grove Road, Coraopolis (Kennedy Township) PA 15108.