Obituary of Thomas F. Murphy

MURPHY, Thomas F. of Saginaw passed away Monday, February 21, 2011 in Bloomfield Hills, MI. He was 80 years old. Tom was the loving and devoted husband of Patricia for 53 years. Pat predeceased Tom in September 2007. Thomas was the loving father of Kathleen (husband, Allen) McDowell, Terry (wife, Kathy), Tom (wife, Jennifer), Eileen (husband, HanGeorg) Buchenau, Brian (wife, Barbara), Michael (wife, Theresa); and grandfather of Andrew, Rachel, Sean, Rory, Thomas, and Max. Tom was born in Chicago, IL, the middle son of George Murphy and Irene (O'Malley). Tom's older brother George (deceased) and younger brother Terry both raised their families in Chicago. Following his marriage to his beloved Pat in 1951, Tom left Chicago to serve in the United States Air Force, stationed in Washington D.C. Following his discharge from the service, Tom worked for General Motors for 35 years. His career began in Bedford, IN and he was subsequently transferred to Saginaw in 1963 where he remained for the balance of his career. Tom retired from GM in 1985. Tom is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and was a member of the Notre Dame football team. Tom's teammates include some of the most famous players in college football, including Heisman Trophy winners Leon Hart and Johnny Latner. Tom was also a proud member of the "First Friday" Club. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy for Tom will take place at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 28, 2011 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1320 Malzahn, Saginaw. Rev. Fr. William R. Taylor will preside. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. VISITATION: Friends may call at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Sunday from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. A vigil service will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Tom will lie in state at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Notre Dame Foundation. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuenralHome.com