Thomas Murphy

Thomas J. Murphy always arrived with a meaningful smile and a compassionate heart, intent on making a positive difference. He was a strong man who always believed in tomorrow, and took care of everyone around him. He led a life of optimism and purpose, and faced the world with gratitude and humility. Tom died on April 17, 2020, joining his cherished wife Lori, and loving sons Timothy, Patrick, and Thomas Murphy. Tom was born in Hartford, CT, June 18,1935, the son of Thomas and Margaret (O'Connor) Murphy. In 1953, Tom graduated from Hartford Weaver HS, and joined the U.S. Army. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Lori Santuccio, and began a 38 year career in the Telecommunications Industry. He began as a telephone lineman for Western Electric Co., and retiring as a communications technology executive for Bell Communications Research in 1992. During his job tours, he received a BS Business Management from University of New Haven. Tom and Lori shared a remarkable 61 years of marriage and unconditional dedication to each other, their family, friends, and community. Living in Connecticut and New Jersey, they raised four outstanding children, before retiring to Venice, FL in 1993. In the communities where Tom lived, he was an active member of planning commissions, including the West Windsor Planning & Zoning Board, and City of Venice Planning Commission, for which he served for 9 years. Tom was elected as President of the Waterford Master Owners Association for two terms. Over the years, he supported community orgs., non-profits, and charities whenever and wherever he was needed. Tom and Lori enjoyed their retirement years, managing a full business and social calendar, including Tuesday planning meetings, WMOA Board sessions, Wednesday neighborhood cocktail parties, Sunday brunches at the Club, setback and trivia nights, Jersey shore summers with family, Maine, Vermont, & Montreal road trips, Cruises, family Christmases, or just sitting on a bench at the beach with his sweetheart enjoying the sunset. Tom's finest quality was his patience: an inherent ability to listen, to absorb and offer a point of view based on quiet measured wisdom. Filled with compassion and interest in others, Tom made friends easily, and maintained contact over the years. He reached many people's lives in positive ways. People loved the sunshine in his smile and the kindness in his heart. He will be remembered by his family and friends as a kind, endearing, and generous man. Tom is survived by his sister, Bernadette Murphy, East Hartford, CT; daughter, Lori-Jean Murphy and Anthony Scarfo, Summit, NJ; daughter-in-laws, Keri S. Murphy, Aldie, VA, and Vera Murphy Trayner and Andy Trayner, Tampa, FL.; grandchildren, Sarah, Sean and Maggie Murphy, Kristin Murphy and Ryan Cochran, Tom and Anna-Kate Murphy, Vincent & Zachary Scarfo; great-grandchildren, Harper Kate and Reagan Murphy, John Thomas Corcoran. Memorial Mass to be announced at a later time. Remembrances can be made to TidewellHospice.Org; or, Mailed to Tidewell Hospice Philanthropy Department, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL, 34238.