IN MEMORIAM - Thomas R. Murphy

photo credit: Steven Thorne, American Red Cross

It was with great sadness that we recently learned of the passing of longtime American Red Cross in Greater NY volunteer and dear friend, Tom Murphy. 

Thomas R. Murphy joined the Red Cross in 2007 and brought his compassion, professionalism, and sense of humor to everything he did with us. Often in a Logistics capacity, Tom volunteered countless hours and supported nearly every facet of our mission. His Red Cross career began in response where he was a fixture at large-scale emergencies like building fires, driving our Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) and box trucks to the scene and helping to deliver critical supplies to disaster victims. In 2008 Tom deployed with a Greater NY team to Louisiana for Hurricane Gustav to help manage operations at a 3000+ person mega-shelter. In 2012, Tom worked tirelessly in support of Superstorm Sandy relief efforts. More recently, his volunteer work focused on our Home Fire Preparedness Campaign in NYC and Long Island where he took on roles as an educator, documenter, installer and (almost always) driver to help move our volunteers from appointment to appointment. Tom’s experience and easy-going personality made him a natural mentor for new volunteers and he always put others before himself.

Tom was the beloved husband to the late Virginia Rizzo. Loving father to Richard, Joseph, James, Margot, and Michael. Cherished by his five grandchildren. Always remembered by his sister, Joanne.

On behalf of the Red Cross, our deepest condolences to Tom’s family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

For information on funeral arrangements, click here.