Rev. Thomas M. Murphy
June 5, 1953 ~ September 20, 2021
Resided in:
Brunswick, ME
Brunswick- Father Thomas M. Murphy, pastor of All Saints Parish in Brunswick, who passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 20, 2021 at the age of 68.
The son of Louis and Phyllis Murphy, Father Murphy was born in Houlton but grew up on Portland's Munjoy Hill. He attended Cathedral School and then Cheverus High School before earning a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Southern Maine. He then received a master's degree in sacred theology from St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland.
Fr. Murphy was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Edward C. O'Leary on June 16, 1979, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.
Following ordination, his first assignment was as associate pastor of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Presque Isle and St. Joseph Parish in Mars Hill. In addition, he served as chaplain at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. In July 1985, Fr. Murphy was appointed director of the Christian Life Center in Upper Frenchville, and in December of that year, he was also named temporary administrator of St. Agatha Parish in St. Agatha.
His first assignment as pastor was from July 1987 to July 1991 at St. Mary of the Visitation Parish in Houlton. He was then appointed director of RENEW, a small group faith-sharing effort intended to bring parishioners from various communities together to provide mutual support. In January 1996, Fr. Murphy was appointed temporary administrator of St. Edmund Parish in Westbrook, and in December of that year, he was named chaplain of St. Joseph's College of Maine in Standish. In July 1997, he was appointed pastor at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Scarborough. In July 1999, Fr. Murphy was named chaplain at Maine Medical Center and parochial vicar of Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Parish, both in Portland. In July 2003, he was named pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Portland. In June 2006, Fr. Murphy was appointed administrator of St. Mary Parish in Wells, and in 2008, in addition to his responsibilities at St. Mary, he became administrator of St. Martha Church in Kennebunk and All Saints Church in Ogunquit, which merged to form Holy Spirit Parish. In 2016, he was named pastor of All Saints Parish in Brunswick, the position he held at the time of his death.
In addition to his parish duties, Fr. Murphy had also served on the College of Consultors, the Presbyteral Council, the diocesan Liturgical Commission, and as associate director of the diocese's Office of Vocations.
Fr. Murphy loved spending time at the beach, serving as clergy on cruise ships and traveling, heading up tours for Dube Travel to the Holy Land, Greece, Ireland and was planning a spring trip to Italy. He was an avid history buff and loved studying the American Revolution period, ancient history, and also had a great love of Irish literature, poetry and music. From a young age he had a great appreciation of church music, opera and the theatre. Fr. Murphy was loved by many people from the far north to the south, making life-long friendships in every parish he served. He loved a good time and possessed a great sense of humor.
Fr. Murphy is survived by a brother, James Murphy of Portland; a sister, Janice Murphy of Portland; a special friend, Karen Beatty of Portland; several cousins and extended family.
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend a Reception of the Body and Liturgy of the Hours at 3PM on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress Street, Portland. Fr. Murphy will lie in state at the church until 6PM. A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM on Monday, September 27, 2021 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with The Most Rev. Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., as Principal Celebrant. Rev. Thomas Lequin will be the homilist. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland. To view Fr. Murphy's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
Those who wish may make contributions in Fr. Murphy's memory to: St. Jude's Children's Hospital www.stjude.org.
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Rev Murphy was one of the finest priests that I have ever known. When my wife was close to death I called him and asked him to come to the house and administer the Last Rites and within the short period of time he was there at her bedside doing his level best to console her and to assure her that God was with her at all times and that He would take the best of care of her. Father Murphy was a real gem who will be missed by everybody who knew him. Ron Carroll
– Ron Carroll
He was a lovely man and liked his work. Kristen
– kristen tully
Father Tom, We in All Saints Parish will miss you. Thanks for listening to me and hearing my grief when my own father died. Now we grieve your loss to us. Thanks for allowing your theatrical side, your teaching side and your serious side to show themselves in your homilies. With affection and appreciation, Tom Kelly
– Tom Kelly
Father Tom baptised my daughter a couple of summers ago. He made her giggle during the ceremony and had the whole congregation laughing. This is how I will remember him.
– Stefany Burrell
So true… He was so special
– Louise Moses
My condolences to Janice and your family On the passing of your brother Paul Jeffery Coworker At the Portland Public Library
– Paul Jeffery
Long before Father Tom embraced the children of St. Patrick School with his infectious joy and humor, my own three children were blessed with three years of his unfettered love for them and our whole community at St. Edmund’s Church. My memory of one Easter Sunday Mass brings his love of God alive in me. After calling all the children to sit near him in front of the altar, he began to welcome them but was cut off by the booming theme song of The Lion King. Amazed and filled with wonder, the children looked up, down, and around with delightful expectation. With joyful surprise equaling theirs, Father Tom guided them into God’s love and His promise of new life every single day. Watching the children’s faces was pure joy for all of us. Father Tom, I am forever grateful for your kind presence. Rest now in peace, my friend. Sharon Orlando
– Sharon Orlando
Father Tom was an incredible priest and person. He was there for my family so many times, especially over the course of my mom’s illness. When she first got sick in 2016, he dropped everything to come give her Last Rites when we thought she wasn’t going to make it. She survived almost 4 years beyond that and last summer, when her passing was near, Father Tom again dropped everything to perform Last Rites for her. She was nearing the end but when he came in the room she lit up to recite Our Father and Hail Mary. It was such a special moment for our whole family. Father Tom also gave a beautiful funeral mass for her at our family’s beloved St. Patrick’s Church. His loving and calm spirit was such a comfort to my mom, my dad, and me during the most difficult time in our lives. We are heartbroken that his life was cut short, but he will live on in our memory of him and our eternal gratitude. Our heart and prayers go out to his family.
– Emily Bowen Hughes
Please accept my deepest condolences. Father Murphy was awesome, a true testament to the Catholic faith. I used to go to St. Patrick’s six o’clock mass(back in the day) on Sunday evening and really enjoyed this time of worship and fellowship. Rest in Peace. Terry Conley
– Therese Conley
He was one of a kind. A gentle soul that always had a smile and kind word for everyone. Great homilies. So glad to have known him. Prayers and sympathy for his family and friends. Nancy Wallace
– Nancy wallace
We give thanks for the life and work of our dear pastor, Fr. Tom, who championed the intrinsic bond of music and liturgy.
– All Saints (Brunswick) Parish Choir
I remember Tom as a kid on Munjoy Hill. He was a great person from a really fine family. I was a close friend of Tom’s cousin Jack Duffy, who was lost during the Vietnam War in 1970. God Bless you Tom for all that you did for so many for the last 40 years.
– Mike McDonough
Truly one of the best Priest I ever met, genuine, reverent, guided by spiritual wisdom and most demonstrable faith. Rest in Peace and Jesus embrace. Rick Horrigan Kennebunk.
– Rick Horrigan
My husband and I are parishioners at St. Martha’s. We were blessed to have Father Tom as our pastor for ten years. We will always miss his spirit and enthusiasm. We’ll pray for him and remember him always. God bless you Fr. Tom. Love, Janis and Gerard Moakler
– Gerard and Janis Moakler
So sorry to hear of Father Tom’s passing. Although it has been a number of years since we have seen him, he never failed to make a positive impression with his kindness, empathy, and humanity. Condolences and warm thoughts to Janice and family. Thank you for being a part of our lives.
– Martha Konczal
This world was a nicer place with you here. You will be missed.
– Guy and Susie Anderson
So sorry to hear of Fr. Murphy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out the family, friends and everyone who knew him. Fr. Murphy was so learned, a gifted speaker, and an amazing man. Through it all, baptisms, first communion, confirmation, baccalaureate’s, the wedding of our oldest daughter, we loved Father. “… now wouldn’t you agree?…” Rest in peace! The Laniewski Family (Scarborough)
– Jeffrey Laniewski
Fr. Tom was always a beloved Mercy friend to so many of us. His kindness, compassion and hospitable ways we’re so present! We love his humor, laugh and Irish wit. His strong faith of God’s love for all of us was conveyed in many of his homilies. He was a gifted homilist! May God hold you now Fr. Tom “in the palm of His Hand.” Sr. Maureen Wallace R.S.M. and Sr. Carol Lachance R.S.M.
– Maureen Wallace
Deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers. May the Lord hold Fr. Tom in the palm of His hand.
– Patrycja Fortula-Kohn
There was and never another like you. You exemplify of what every religious person should be. Never doubt how much you were loved and respected in every way.
– Louise Moses
Dear Janice and Jimmy, Our heartfelt condolences on your loss of Father Tom. He was loved by many, a very special person and friend. We have many fond memories of our times spent together. We wish you peace and comfort at this difficult time. As you are able, we’d love to be in touch with you- ejvoisine172@gmail.com. Sending our love, Joe, Eileen and family
– Eileen Voisine
I had the great pleasure of serving with Father Tom in the Renew, Youth Ministry, and GIFT Retreat programs. As I sat there this afternoon at the Cathedral, I couldn’t help but think: “Who in this world can replace the gift/s we just lost?!” In Fr. Tom’s presence, you could always tell that the Holy Spirit of God was present….he just embodied that Spirit, and you could feel it whether he was saying Mass or answering the difficult questions being asked by teens very late in the evening at a retreat. His gift of bringing the messages of the Scriptures into real, honest-to-God every day life is unmatched. “Are ya’ with me?!” His humorous well-known question during homilies as he walked among the congregation plays like a tape in my mind. No one ever fell asleep during a Tom Murphy homily! I don’t know who chose the message on the front of his memory card, but I think it is exactly what he would say: “Laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you.”… I can almost hear his voice as I read it. It is painful to know that our Church family must bid farewell to one of the best of the best, especially knowing that he was, in human understanding, far too young to go. That God that our faith helps us to believe that he is just “on the other side” and we can ask him any old time to pray for us. Rest in peace, Fr. Tom. You are and will be greatly missed. Thank you for so freely sharing your God-given gifts with us. We are better people for having known you!
– Doris Meehan
As parishioners of All Saint Parish, we are mourning for the death of our Partir Father Tom. God bless his family, and all the friends who love snd miss him.
– Juliana and Richard L’Heureux
Fr. Tom’s love of God was always evident to those he encountered. Claire and I first met him as we vacationed in Wells and over the years our friendship grew. His Irish humor intertwined with his passion and knowledge of the scriptures brought meaning to the life of Jesus to everyone. Fr. Tom could talk for a while and all would listen, focused on every word. And of course when he appeared to be concluding he would look out at everyone and say “Can I just say one more thing?” The smiles across the aisles were a tribute to him as we all wanted to hear more. The times Claire and I were were fortunate enough for Fr. Tom to find time in his busy schedule to go out with us will always be held in our memory as well. On our 35th wedding anniversary, I was hoping that Fr. Tom would be willing to officiate the renewal of our wedding vows and after arranging for it to happen on a day that worked within our schedules, he was more than glad to do so. Although three years have passed since that time, we will always have the memories and pictures from that special day. Thank you Fr. Tom for the love you gave to us and the faith you strengthened in us. We will miss you. We know that you are with the Lord and sharing a few laughs with him as you look down on your family, friends and parishioners with love. You have helped prepared us to join you someday. Thank you. Danny and Claire O’Brien
– Danny O’Brien
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home – Portland Chapel
– A Memorial Tree was planted for Rev. Thomas M. Murphy
My deepest condolences to Jim and Janice and all of Fr. Murphy’s (TOM) family and friends. Tom and I were best friends in High School at Cheverus, classmates at Cathedral Grammar, and both attended St. Joseph;s College for one year. A remarkable and true friend whom I will never forget. Tom also took part in the celebration of my wife (Connie) and I’s 10th wedding anniversary as we celebrated with a Catholic Ceremony. Rest in piece my friend. I will send you sunshine from Florida each and every day.
– Norman Wing
My sincere heartfelt sympathy to you Janice and to James and to all who knew and loved Father Tom. A cold is keeping me from paying my respects in person but know that I’m thinking of you. Karen Valley
– Karen Valley
Prayers to Fr Tom and his family. Our love for you at St Mary’s in Bath will live on forever. May you Rest In Peace in the light and love of our Lord.
– Cheryl Peaslee
He was the embodiment of the ideal priest and a truly magnificent person.
– Mike Karatsanos
We met Fr. Tom at the old Saint Patrick’s and we as a family hit it off after all, what’s not to like in Fr. Tom he was a good listener, a great friend and most importantly a great priest he made me want to pay attention at mass even with a then young kiddo. The world was a much better place with Fr. Tom in it God must have needed a new angel rest easy my friend until we met again
– Margaret Harmon
Never will forget how wonderfully and kind your heart was bigger then then the world.I will miss u very much . Sorry to your family for there loss
– Janice krasco
My prayers and heartfelt and deepest sympathy. Rest in peace, Father Tom
– Patrycja Fortula-Kohn
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE FATHER TOM!!!!!!!
– lisa martel
Father Murphy was the most amazing priest. He was our parish priest when our daughter was a teenager and it meant so much to her that she was able to learn something from his sermons. Years later when she was planning her wedding he was the only priest she wanted to have to officiate the mass and ceremony. He was a special person. It is so sad that he left us at such a young age.
– Rosemary Donatelli Grabarz
Father Tom, Thank you so much for helping my family through some rough times. You were a pillar of strength and an all around great person. RIP Father!!
– Peter Blake
In Memory of Father Tom Murphy…… I am just a summer resident but decided one year to become a lector at OLQP. Standing in the back of church waiting for Mass to begin, it was Father Tom who struck up the conversation. He asked me where I was from. I told him Hilton Head and Southport. He said he would like to come to Southport and to South Carolina. We made a date. He was coming to Southport and my husband and I would show him all around topped off with lunch at Newagen Inn. He also said he would like Hilton Head too and I told him that I made a mean apple pie. He was invited there too. I meant it and he knew I meant it. After Mass, I gave him my business card. Then Covid hit. It was Father Tom who reached out and wrote me a letter. He said, “see what COVID does. We now have time to write.” I was touched and started writing to him. I told him that with Covid, we turned into daily Mass participants. And, as we could get All Saints on Monday and Friday morning, we tuned in. I told him he couldn’t see us but we could see him. What a speaker. He was always well prepared, succinct and to the point. I remember the early days at OLQP as he came down from the altar to the middle aisle, with the yellow sticky on his finger. He preached right near where I sat regularly, on the end, in the second or third pew. He’d look right at me when he asked those direct “are you with me” questions. One day, he met my grandson who was attending Mass with his friends. He wrote to me to tell me. When I later wrote and told him that this nine year old Grandson wanted to make his First Communion, he was encouraging. Because of Covid, I taught him remotely SC to Southport every Sunday morning at 11:00. When Franz made his First Confession, Father wrote again and complimented me on how well prepared he was. When we arrived in Maine for the First Communion/Confirmation service at St Patrick’s, he greeted us beforehand. Coming from the back of Church in full regalia, with arms outstretched, he called out a loud, “Mary Jo”. He had no idea his mic was on. How welcoming this was for me after missing him for almost two years. I would be remiss if I didn’t say something about that service. He was amazing. Lots of family from out of town, including many non practicing Catholics. He quizzed these young children, anointed them each in the Confirmation rite within the framework of a beautiful Mass (including homily), watched each child as the deacon distributed Holy Communion and wrapped it all up in this child friendly service in 45 minutes. Amazing. With Covid, we still did many Sundays on line but I would look up when Father Murphy was coming to Southport and we would go in person. In late August, I went to the sacristy before Mass to have a quick hug and ask him when we getting together. He said, “oh, it has just been so crazy.” He looked weary. I gave him my card, again, and said, “call me.” His last note said “it would be good to just get together and share.” As he came down the center aisle to the opening song, he whispered in my ear, “I think it will be in South Carolina.” The thought of such a wonderful man actually coming to visit in the winter was wonderful. How to make someone feel “special”!! Was it maybe the apple pie? Now memories of him come to mind. What I learned from this relationship was–don’t put off anything. Get in that note or that phone call or that embrace or that lunch or that visit. It is true that we only die once but we live every day. Make every day count. He certainly did. God bless Father Tom Murphy and may he Rest In Peace. Sincerely, Mary Jo Carlson
– Mary Jo Carlson
To the Murphy family, I was so sad to here of Thomas Murphy passing. to young and I new him When I when to st patricks church and St maxs church. I loved his homilys. They were so good and through. I was sad. Take care. Kristen tully
– kristen tully
No one could give a sermon like Father Tom ! Bringing humor and relating to both young and old !! Coming down from the alter and mingling with all , all while doing God’s work . Remember you with fondness while at St Patrick’s Church in Portland . Condolences to those family and Faithful Friends of Father Tom’s. Sincerely Peg & Jack Blain .ps ,Father hope you meet up with Janet and have a good game of Mah-jong. Rest well Good and Faithful Servant.
– Peg Blain
Rest In Peace dear Father Tom. Our family will never forget your love and friendship. With deepest sympathy, Richard and Jane ODonnell and family
– Jane ODonnell
We will miss Fr. Tom so very much. He embodied such humor, warmth and compassion, which was why we followed him from parish to parish, like the groupies we were. He demonstrated what our faith could be like on its best day. Brendan Rielly
– Brendan Rielly
Sending my prayers and deepest sympathy to Janice, Jimmy, the Cyr and Murphy families. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Tommy from times in Houlton many years ago. May his memory be for a blessing. Bea Broder-Oldach
– Bea Broder-Oldach
I knew Father Murphy very well when I was a young girl. He was our priest at St. Mary’s in Presque Isle Maine, he was one of my favorites. He was kind, funny and approachable. God bless him and his family.
– Julie Augostino
A warm, kind , loving priest. He will be greatly missed . He is now at rest with our heavenly Father. Rest in peace Father Tom.
– Judy Conlan
Hearfelt condolences and prayers to the family of Rev. Tom. Fr. Tom was a great guy! His absence, our loss, will indeed be noticed. Donal Eccleston
– Donal
Having lived most of my life in NY, it was great joining St. Mary’s Church in Bath, Maine. I have been a cantor since 1986. I am a cantor at St. Mary’s. When Fr. Murphy joined our parish I was happy that I was able to relate to such a caring, loving generous priest. I loved singing with him at church. I was away from church for a while after undergoing a revision of a knee replacement. The Sunday that I returned to church, Fr. Murphy mad a point of welcoming me back and asking where I’d been. He was the first priest in my 62 years of life that ever did that. I enjoyed the social time we spent at Christmas fair each year. He was always generous with his praise of all the volunteers in our parish that gave of their time. Fr. Murphy, thank you for your generosity. Thank you for your love of your parish. Thank you for your wonderful sense of humor. Thank you for being the priest that listened and shared from your heart.
– Patti Silva
Father Tom was a much loved priest at St. Mary’s Church in Wells, Maine. My husband and I had great respect for him and he was a great friend to us as well. No doubt he will be missed. Rest In Peace dear Father Tom.
– Phyllis Cusimano
Father Tom was very special we loved his Homilies. We will miss him. Rest in eternal peace Christine and Bob Splaine Our Lady Queen of Peace Boothbay Harbor.
– Christine Splaine
Well done, good and faithful servant of God. Embrace Him as you gave us your warm embrace.
– Lucy and Tim Cilley’s Family
Farther Tom as we called him was a frequent sight at Beatty and Sloan functions. Growing up with them he remained close to them. He was there for weddings, funerals, baptisms or just regular celebrations. He will be greatly missed by many.
– Peggy Sloan
I extend my deepest condolences to family and friends. Father Murphy had an extraordinary gift in delivering homilies. During his assignment at Holy Spirit Parish in Wells, Kennebunk and the mission church in Ogunquit, we were richly blessed with his gifts and talents. His warm, gregarious nature was not only endearing, but infectious. I, like so many of us whose lives he touched, will miss him dearly.
– Jennifer Smith
My sincere sympathy Blessed to call Tom my friend. Forever in my heart and prayers. Thank you good and faithful servant. Rest on angels wings now.
– Ginny Macisso