Thomas H Murphy

Thomas (Tom) was born on June 13, 1938 in Chelsea, a neighborhood in the east part of London, England, to Edward Henry and Ellen (Ford) Wiles. He grew up in London during the challenging years of World War II before emigrating to the United States at the age of 9. While living in Union City, New Jersey, Tom's mother Ellen (Nellie) remarried to Eugene John Murphy. Tom became a naturalized U.S. citizen at the age of 18 and proudly served in the U.S. Navy, where he worked as a machinist mate on the USS Johnston (DD 821), a destroyer ship.
Tom and his wife, Lynn, lived in Cliffside Park, New Jersey for eleven years before relocating and settling in Blairstown, New Jersey, where they built their home and have lived for the past 46 years. After the Navy, Tom apprenticed and worked to become a master plumber. He was a proud member of Local 14 in Lodi, New Jersey, now known as Local 24.
Throughout his life, Tom took immense pride in his Irish heritage and equally cherished his identity as an American. A true jack of all trades and a master plumber, Tom was constantly engaged in home improvement projects or fixing things around the house. For friends and family, he was always ready to lend a hand and share his expertise, mentoring others along the way.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Lynn, their children, Thomas Owen and Amy Kathleen, and his cherished grandchildren, Thomas, Clare, and Madeline. Tom was predeceased by his son, Brendan James.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and family member, Tom will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his dedication to family, and his love for his country. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of life will be held on April 12, 2025 from 2 to 4 pm at Newbaker Funeral Home, Blairstown, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Thomas, please visit our Tree Store.