Thomas Murphy Obituary

Thomas H. Murphy

Thomas Hugh Murphy, 92, of Findlay, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Findlay. He was born April 22, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late E. James Murphy and Catherine Doolan. On June 28, 2011, he married Bette Jo Wells, and she survives him.

Preceding Tom in death were his parents, Elli and Catherine Murphy; Bette Jo's parents, Joe and Betty Wells; his first wife, Rita Murphy; son, Dennis Murphy; brothers, Jonathon Murphy and James Murphy; sister-in-law, Karen Murphy; and brother-in-law, Terry Dallman.

Survivors also include his daughters, Kate (Jeff) Schoo and Amy (Peter) Bigelow, stepchildren, Nicole Reed and Brent (Steph) Wells; a sister, Mary Dallman; sister-in-law, Eileen Murphy; special cousin, Kathleen Paul; daughter-in-law, Judy Murphy; grandchildren, Christopher (Christina) Murphy, Joseph(Veronica)Murphy, Monica Murphy, and Sarah Murphy; stepgrandchildren, Matthew, DJ, Mattie, Madelyn, Isabella, Emersyn, and Hudson; five great-grandchildren; in-laws, Tom (Kathy) Wells, Pam (Tony) Paulus, Paula Oman, and Jacki Wunderlin; and the list could go on.

Tom was transplanted from his hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Findlay, Ohio, for the last third of his life. Adjustment began slowly, with family dinners on Sundays, cookouts, and holiday get-togethers, where Tom would find himself using his debating skills to add a bit of steam to lively conversations. Imagine that as he enters eternal life, he will again seek a podium or a roundtable discussion. What really caused his roots to thrive, though, was his membership in Toastmasters and connections with various groups at McDonald's, Panera Bread, Fort Findlay Donut Shop, Cafe Amici, and his home-away-from-home, Findlay Library.

Because of his social life, Tom made three exceptional friends: Rick Beach, who, for over 20 years, has been a constant source of companionship, from home visits to visits at Fox Run, trying in various ways to keep Tom connected to all the things he enjoyed. Seth Richardson, his handyman friend, was installing many handles in our home to make it easier for him to pull himself up. He would also make bonus visits on Fridays with iced cappuccinos and his last buddy, Opay, another resident at Fox Run. They went for "wheelchair" walks and ate meals together, and Opay encouraged Tom to go just a little further when things got difficult. Thanks to the three of you for the difference you made. Visits from Kate, Jeff, Amy, and Peter, Tom's sister Mary, and his niece, Margaret, were absolute smile producers and made adapting to his new surroundings bearable for our socialite. A surprise visit from his cousin, Kathleen, and her chauffeur, Diane, was icing on the cake and the last of family visits from Wisconsin. Now, he would have to make do with his trio of Findlay visitors. How lucky I am to be a part of the Murphy family!

Instead of tears, Tom would want to bring a smile to your face as you recall a life lived "HIS" way! The family would like to thank all the staff at Fox Run and Hospice for the care they gave Tom. He remembered their names and enjoyed the conversations they were part of. A special thank you to Desiree and Kayden, who stopped by to visit on their day off, which brought tears to the eyes of a sentimental Irishman.

Services for Tom will be in Milwaukee at a later date.

Memorial contribu-tions may be made to Hospice, Humane Society, or Findlay-Hancock County Public Library.