Thomas J. “Tom” Murphy, 63, of Columbia, CT, passed away at Windham Hospital on February 6, 2024, after a prolonged illness.

Born in 1960 in Poughkeepsie, NY and raised in Westport, CT, Tom was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Barbara (Connell) Murphy. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Western Connecticut State University, Tom would later go on to serve as an IT specialist at the Travelers Companies for over 33 years. After raising his family in Ellington, Tom moved to the Columbia Lake area to enjoy his anticipated retirement.

Tom was a good-natured and friendly family man who enjoyed the outdoors. He loved spending time with his golf buddies both on and off the course. He was always ready to help a friend. Tom was fascinated by science, a love which he passed on to his children. He also enjoyed science fiction and humor and logged many hours watching The Big Bang Theory, many hours. He was a lifelong lover of dogs and, of late, cats—both of which were well-loved family members in the home over the years. His chocolate chip cookies were legendary—just one of the things we will miss.

More than anything, Tom loved spending time and making memories with his wife, Christine, and their three children. He was a hard worker and never failed to show unconditional love to the people who deeply cared for him. His sense of humor, reassuring smile, and willingness to always be present for those he loved most will never be forgotten. Tom will always be deeply missed, and he will be eternally loved and appreciated.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Christine; his son, Ryan; his daughters, Taryn and Quinne; his sister, Kathleen Hickey and her husband, Gregory; his nieces, Megan Motley and her husband, Mike, and Bridget Hickey; his nephew, Conor Hickey and his wife, Suzanne; and his two “beloved” cats, Frankie and Junie Bea.

Tom’s family will receive friends from 10-11AM on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Rd., Colchester, CT 06415. A Celebration of Life Service will be held following the visitation at 11AM. Guests are welcome to share a story or thoughts honoring Tom’s memory. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that memorial donations be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Ctr., Rocky Hill 06067 (www.cancer.org), or to the CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington CT 06111 (www.cthumane.org). To share a condolence message with Tom’s family, please visit www.auroramccarthy.com.

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