Obituary of Hon. Thomas J. Murphy

The Honorable Thomas J. Murphy, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and public servant, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025. Born in Syracuse on May 25, 1930, he was a proud son of the community he devoted his life to serving.

Judge Murphy attended Le Moyne College and earned his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law. He became a partner at the law firm of Deegan, Murphy, and Dadey, where his legal expertise and dedication to justice earned him the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

Judge Murphy's commitment to public service was unwavering. A member of numerous civic, charitable, and religious organizations, he also served as a trustee of the Canal Museum, reflecting his love of history and community preservation.  Judge Murphy was elected to three terms as an Onondaga County Legislator, serving as the majority leader for two of those terms before becoming the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.  In 1970, he was elected to the New York State Assembly, where he continued to advocate for the people of his district.  He was elected as a New York State Supreme Court Justice serving the 5^th Judicial District in 1976 and again for a second term in 1990.

Thomas shared a remarkable 59-year marriage with his wife, Mary Jane (Dadey) Murphy, a partnership defined by love, faith, and family. Together, they raised eight children who they cherished spending time with.  Thomas is predeceased by his wife, Mary Jane, his parents, James and Arlene Murphy, his siblings, Mary Togias, James,  his identical twin John, Kathleen Jolly, and his grandson, John McGarvey. He is survived by his children — Thomas (Lena) Murphy of Camillus, William (Anna) Murphy of Skaneateles, James (Alice) Murphy of Skaneateles, Martin (Virginia) Murphy of Camillus, Timothy (Mary Ann) Murphy of Camillus, Vincent (Michele) Murphy of Camillus, Margaret (Michael) McGarvey of Onondaga Hill, and Martha Murphy of Syracuse. He was a proud grandfather to 22 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Patrick Murphy. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service, resilience, and love for his family and community.

Services will be private. Contributions in Thomas’s memory may be made to ARC of Onondaga, 600 South Wilbur Ave., Syracuse, NY 13204.