Thomas Michael Murphy

Thomas Michael Murphy passed away unexpectedly in the presence of his family on February 5th. Born in Florence, NJ on September 14, 1939, he is survived by his loving and devoted wife Jacqueline DiRienzo Murphy, his children Colleen Ruffini (Christopher), Jennifer Spivey (Tom), and Ryan Murphy (Domenique); and his five Grandchildren: Jillian Ruffini, Jacqueline Ruffini, Veronica Spivey, Finn Murphy, and Elin Murphy. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Nick and Jackie DiRienzo, Eileen Dirienzo, and Georgette Murphy, as well as many nieces and nephews.   He is preceded in death by his parents: Luthor and Evelyn Murphy, and his siblings: William, Marty, Robert, Mary, Evelyn, Eloise, Isabel, and Margaret.  

Tom lived a long and wonderful life, constantly surrounded by friends and family. Tom enjoyed many hobbies, including fishing, clamming, cooking, crabbing, and most of all: spending time with his beloved family and friends. Long Beach Island is a place that held particular importance for him during his time as a commercial clammer, and many recreational fishing, crabbing, and beach trips over the years. A lifelong member of St. Katherine Drexel Parish, Tom kept God at the center of his life, and had particularly strong devotions to St. Jude and St. Anthony. Tom also held a special love of animals and had many pets over the years, including Annie, Goldy, Truffles, Patches, Mama Cat, Java, Pando, and Czar.

Tom led a fulfilling professional life. Upon graduating from Florence Memorial High School in 1957, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he faithfully served his country, including a three year stint in France. Upon returning to civilian life following an honorable discharge, Tom took a job at RD Wood Company in the payroll department. After leaving, RD Wood, Tom worked as a meter reader for Public Service Gas and Energy. Tom worked hard over the years growing from meter reader, to book keeper, to his eventual role as a Supervisor of Customer Service in the Bordentown, NJ Branch. Upon his retirement from PSE&G in 2000, Tom took a part time job as a Toll Collector for the Burlington County Bridge Commission, where he had a successful second act to his career for the next 17 years. While there he established multiple friendships with both his co-workers as well as his “regulars” who frequented his Toll booth. Tom also served his church community as both a Eucharistic Minister, as well as tenure on the Burlington City Board of Island Managers in the Mid 2000’s. Tom was also a member of the senior citizen club of Florence, as well as the John A. Roebling Senior Citizens Club, and the Oneida Boat Club.  A gentleman's,  gentleman, Tom was a devoted Christian, Husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was known as a beloved Poppy to his grandchildren. His impact on numerous people, both known and unknown to his family is unable to quantified. He is loved deeply, and will be sorely missed. 

A viewing will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at Page Funeral Home, 302 E. Union St., Burlington, NJ.  Mass of a Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 p.m.  in St. Paul RC Church, 223 E. Union St. Burlington, NJ.  In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting mass cards and donations Tunnel of the Towers Foundation.  www.t2t.org

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