Remembering Fr. Thomas P. Murphy, SJ ’44

Father Thomas P. Murphy ’44, president of Regis High School from 1972 to 1976, passed away on June 28, 2017 at Murray-Weigel Hall, Bronx, NY.

Thomas P. Murphy, SJ was born in Brooklyn on August 19, 1926. He began his freshman year at Regis in the fall of 1940. While a student, he served as class president for four years, was a member of sodality, The Owl staff, high jumper on the track team, and a debater in junior year. He entered the Society of Jesus at St. Andrew-on-Hudson upon his graduation in 1944. As a Jesuit, he took his vows in 1946 and, after three years in the Philippines and theology at Woodstock, was ordained at Fordham on June 22, 1957. He pronounced his final vows on August 15, 1960.

Father Murphy served again in the Philippines from 1960 to 1971 at three different schools and universities. He returned to Regis in 1971 to serve as director of admissions and dean. From 1972 to 1976, he served as president of Regis.

From 1976 until his retirement in 2009, Fr. Murphy served at St. Margaret of Cortona Parish in the Bronx. He was known for giving individual attention to every young person to help develop their maturity, confidence and skill. With his friendly manner, he could meet informally with parishioners to plan the parish’s programs and their future. The students became his life-long friends.

Notes of condolences may be sent to Fr. Murphy’s sister:
Mrs. Marie Tuttle
470 S. Maple Avenue
Glen Rock, NJ 07452