Obituary for Thomas M. Murphy (1947 - 02/01/2025)

Thomas M. Murphy, 77, died unexpectedly at his home in Savannah, GA on February 1, 2025. A seven-year resident of Savannah, he and his wife, Mary-Patricia, were devoted Catholics, attending St. James the Less Catholic Church.

Tom was born in New Jersey, moving to Connecticut with his parents in 1957. Upon graduating from Pomfret School in Connecticut, Tom enlisted in the US Army, which sent him to the Defense Language Institute in Monterrey, CA, where he studied Mandarin Chinese. He then served two years in the Republic of China (Taiwan), with a nal year in Colorado Springs, CO.

After completing his military service, Tom pursued Intellectual History at the University of Hartford, receiving a BA degree in 1972. He went on to study Chinese and Chinese Area Studies at the School of International Service of American University in Washington DC for two years, pausing his pursuit of an MA when he married Mary-Patricia in 1974

. In 1975, Tom joined the Central Intelligence Agency and embarked on a long career as a Chinese specialist. From 1977 to his retirement in 2002, Tom and his family served the US government through many years abroad with multiple tours in Asia - Japan (twice), Taiwan, Burma (twice) - and Africa - Djibouti and Guinea. In 1994, he participated in The Aspen Institute seminar, “The Chinese in the Local Community.”

After retiring from the CIA, Tom served as a private consultant before accepting a position at the Idaho National Laboratory from 2011 through 2019. He and his wife resided in Savannah, GA, from 2018 until his death.

In addition to his wife, Mary-Patricia, Tom leaves his three children, Sara E. Murphy (J. Alexandre Jeanty) of Lanett, AL, Peter P. Murphy of Savannah, GA, and Matthew M.K. Murphy (David Walters), of Alexandria, VA. Tom is also survived by his brother Michael J. Murphy (Jennifer), three brothers-in-law and their families.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception and fellowship at the Murphy home.

In lieu of owers, donations may be oered to the Jesuit Relief Services/USA, 1627 K. St., NW #1100, Washington, DC 20006. Https://jrs.net