Thomas J. Murphy, 97, died peacefully at his home of the past 9 years, King-Bruwaert House.

Born February 14, 1927, to Helen Delahanty Murphy and James Cornelius Murphy, he spent his childhood in Maywood, IL, attending Proviso High School. At the age of 18, Tom was drafted into the Air Force and served in the Philippines. Upon returning home he took his assumed position in the family trucking company, Murphy Motor Express, alongside his father and 3 brothers.

Tom treasured a 61-year marriage with the love of his life, Barbara Hann.

He is survived by their children Cathleen (George) Doonan, Suzanne (Thomas Szura) Doonan, Deirdre (Timothy) Reilly, and Patrick (Noreen) Murphy, 13 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. Tom was predeceased by his wife, Barbara; siblings, John (Mabel), James “Buck” (Jeanne), Edmund, Helen, and Joseph (Sue); and son-in-law, Charles Doonan.

Tom was a quiet, gentle, and patient man, leading more by example than with words. His humor was witty, playful, and engaging which endeared him to many. He enjoyed a good meal and red wine, anything with chocolate and nuts, and hated raisins and cherries. He enjoyed spending time with family, winters in Florida, visiting family in New Hampshire, and traveling anywhere he could drive to. Tom was loved by the residents and staff at King-Bruwaert House and cared for with respect and dignity to the end. There are so many who cared for him to give thanks to but a special heartfelt gratitude to Dad’s most beloveds: Marthe his angel, Evelyn, and Rosario at King-Bruwaert, as well as Jamie with Angel’s Grace Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Nazareth Academy and the Congregation of St. Joseph are greatly appreciated.

Visitation at 9:00am with Mass of the Resurrection following at 10:00am at Alexine Chapel, 1515 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park on Saturday, October 26th. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Nazareth Academy and the Congregation of St. Joseph are appreciated. Funeral information: 708-352-6500