John "Tom" Murphy's Obituary
John “Tom” Murphy, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on July 31, 2022 at the age of 68 from a long-time illness. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Tom managed his illness with strength and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. In his final weeks, he was surrounded by his wife and children, who he adored more than anything else in the world.
He was born June 15, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio to John and Jeanne (Goodyear) Murphy. A graduate of Midview High School in Grafton, OH, where he excelled at wrestling and tennis.
Tom started his career at Luxaire (now; York International) then went on to have an impressive and rewarding career at Hobart Corporation for 33 years, before retiring in 2016.
Over the years, he enjoyed playing on softball leagues, helping coach youth in wrestling and collecting antiques, especially radios. Tom was inducted into the Hall of Fame, in 2010, for being one of the Founding Fathers of the Lorain County Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association and in 2010 was named ‘Official of the Year.’ One of his fondest memories was growing up going to the Outer Banks, NC (Kitty Hawk), and he continued that tradition with his wife and kids, spending many summers boogie boarding at the beach and fishing off the piers. He was able to take his last family trip to OBX a few weeks before passing.
Proceeded in death by his parents, his in-laws Bill & Jackie Mahilo, grandson Roman Thomas Murphy, Brothers-in-law Rudy Cozart & Tom Mahilo.
Surviving and celebrating his life is his loving wife of 38 years (together 46 years), Valerie (Mahilo), his daughters, Ashley (Eric) and Megan of Wesley Chapel, FL, Morgan (Daniel) of Davenport, FL and Kelsey of Land O Lakes, FL; his brother, Danny Murphy of Westlake, OH; his sister, Colleen Little of Elyria, OH; half-sister, Kathleen Le of Orlando,FL; his grandchildren, Beckham, Sloan, Giana, Maddox & Gabriella; and many nieces, nephews & extended family.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst, Ohio 44001. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
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