Thomas Joseph Murphy Jr.

Tom was born in Portland, May 19, 1947 a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Betty) Murphy. He attended St. Dominic’s Grammar School, graduated from Portland High School and St. Francis Xavier University.

Following graduation Tom joined the Army. After his discharge he took a job teaching Adult Education during the afternoon and evening. It was there that he met a lobsterman from Cape Elizabeth and began his long dual career as a lobsterman. As a result of lobstering Tom became a close friend of the Jordan family of Alewive Farm, Bill, Shirley and Cayden Royall and many others from Cape Elizabeth. They were a second family to him and Tom was a loyal and generous friend.

Tom enjoyed seeing and hearing about his nephews and especially enjoyed poking fun at his brothers Dan and John with his nephews at the annual family summer dinners at DiMillo’s Restaurant. He would always leave dinner before the bill arrived. Tom was a loving generous uncle.

He was a proud member of the “West End Boys, a group that grew up in the West End section of Portland and got together to socialize each month. Tom loved animals and adopted two cats from the Animal Refuge League that he felt no one else would. He also had a special canine companion named Henry that he cared for and loved very much. Tom was in the original group of employees when Pratt and Whitney opened their North Berwick plant. He was the Human Resources Manager and helped many get started on long careers at Pratt and Whitney.

Tom was predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by his brothers Danny Murphy and his wife Mary Lou of Encino, Ca., John Murphy and his wife Roxanne of Scarborough, Me., nephews Ryan Murphy (Teresa) of Canton, Ma., Joe Murphy (Elizabeth) of Winchester, Ma., Patrick Murphy (Kayla) of Encino, Ca., Michael Murphy (Jackie) of Denver, Co., James Murphy (McKenzie) of Encino, Ca., great nephews Cayden, Kellan, Lucas, great niece Evelyn, cousins and many friends.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to The Enclave of Scarborough, Hospice of Southern Maine, Comfort Keepers and to Dr. Hal Cohen.

At Tom’s request services will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Refuge League, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, Me 04098. Arrangements are being handled by Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, Portland.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com for further information and to leave a tribute in Tom’s memory.