Thomas Francis Murphy

Thomas Francis Murphy, age 91, passed away peacefully August 8, 2025. He was born October 17, 1933, in Elmira, NY, to Robert E. and Margaret L. Murphy. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law Michael L. and Janice Murphy, his sister and brother-in-law Mary Ann and Jack Maywalt, and his sister and brother-in-law Catherine E. and Robert F. Lavarnway. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years Barbara Bunn Murphy, as well as by their four children and their families: Patrick and Elizabeth (Beth) Murphy of Fairfax, VA, and their children Eileen and her husband Dustin, Margaret (Maggie), and Fiona; Bridget and Erik Lentine of Holly Springs, NC, and their children Riley, Gracie, and Faith; Michael and Maureen Murphy of Columbia Station, OH, and their children Mary (Molly) and Michael; and Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) and Craig Wilson of Raleigh, NC, and their daughter Emma.

Tom served his country honorably in the U.S. Army and New York State Police before joining the Central Intelligence Agency and serving as an Intelligence Officer for the next 30 years. His work afforded him the opportunity to live and travel extensively overseas. His adventures were many, but he was always happiest to return home. He was a long-time resident of Fairfax, VA then more recently of Cary, NC.

Tom was not the life of the party; he was the backbone. You would find him in the kitchen, at the grill, or behind the bar. He enjoyed company and parties, large and small. His hospitality was well known, and unexpected guests were always treasured: “Just add another potato.”

He was steadfast, honorable and dependable in every aspect of his life. If something was needed, he would do it with quiet competence and no fanfare, never expecting nor wanting recognition. There was nothing he couldn’t fix and there seemed to be no limit to his skills and talents. His spaghetti sauce was legendary as was his Irish jig.

A devout Irish Catholic, his faith was central in his life. No matter where he was in the world, he would somehow seek and find a Catholic church for mass. He treated everyone with courtesy and respect and always brought out the best in others. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, who could do no wrong in his eyes. He will be missed by all who call him family or friend.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, Apex, NC on September 5, 2025 at 10:45 a.m. Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Murphy family.