Thomas Edward Murphy

Thomas Edward Murphy, 89, passed away suddenly on December 23, 2024, in Ann Arbor Michigan. Tom was born on July 24, 1935, in Highland Park, Michigan to Thomas and Catherine Murphy. Tom was the oldest of three children and attended Epiphany Catholic Grade School in Detroit. He had a brother Francis Murphy (dec 9/17/2000) and a sister Ann (Przybylski) (dec 11/15/1989). Tom attended Visitation high school in Detroit where he met his classmate and future bride, Marilynn Mc Donnell, who preceded him in death in 2020. They both graduated in 1953 and at the age of 21 on October 6th, 1956, Tom married Marilynn at Visitation Church in Detroit, Michigan. Tom and Marilynn had three children, Mary Elizabeth (deceased 1965), Matthew (Deborah) and Margaret Ann Oswald (Mark). Tom was incredibly proud of his family and would beam when speaking of his children. After residing in Dearborn, Michigan for a short period, Tom and Marilynn moved to Northville, Michigan where they raised their family and resided for over 50 years. Northville was Tom's home as he had so many great friends and memories. Tom received degrees from both Lawrence Technological University and Eastern Michigan University in Engineering. Tom became a tool and die maker at Burroughs Corporation in 1955 and in 1962 hired into the General Motors Ternstead Division in Detroit, Michigan. In 1981, Tom transferred to the GM Tech Center in Warren, Michigan where he was an expert in body side moldings and trim components. Tom retired from General Motors in 1988 and then went to work for Depco International for 10 years before final retirement. Tom loved to travel, play golf, play cards, attend the theatre, and would plant the most vibrant and colorful flower bed in the neighborhood. Above all, Tom enjoyed the company of his family and many friends. Tom was a spiritual man who was gentle, kind and patient to everyone that he met. He lived a life of service toward family and friends while guided by the principle of always doing the right thing.
Visitation will be held at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, 248-348-1800, on Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Instate Monday at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 Haggerty Road, Plymouth from 10:30am until the funeral Liturgy at 11:00am
Donations in memory of Thomas may be directed to The Capuchin Soup Kitchen