Tom Murray

John Thomas (Tom) Murray was born in Syracuse, New York on June 12, 1935. He died in Cary, NC on May 10, 2025.

Tom was born to Ethel and John Murray. He had one sister, Elizabeth. The family moved around a lot, living in upstate New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, eventually settling in Denver. Tom graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School in Denver. Tom studied business and graduated from University of Notre Dame in 1957. He was a dedicated fan of the Fighting Irish football for the rest of his life, and this lives on in his family.

Tom met Gloria Rempe in 1957 on a spring break trip and they were married in 1959. Tom and Gloria went on to have five children from 1961-1970. He was a Special Agent with the Internal Revenue Service working as a Criminal Investigator for 25 years. The family moved frequently for his work, living in Nebraska, Illinois, and finally in Lakewood, CO where they stayed for twenty years.

Tom's first job ever was caddying at the Denver Country Club-this is what sparked his love of golf. His passion for golf is what inspired the move to North Carolina. He and Gloria moved to Southport in 1995, they lived there until 2017 when they relocated to the Raleigh area. As he aged his goal was to keep his golf score lower than his age.

Tom was preceded in death by his sister Elizabeth (d.2007), his son Patrick (d.2010), and his wife Gloria (d. 2020). He is survived by his daughters Norah Murray (Charley Rosicky) and Kathleen West (Steve West), and his sons John Murray (Stacey Murray), and Matthew Murray.

Tom had a quiet, friendly manner. Those who knew him well knew he had a dry wit and sharp sense of humor. He enjoyed playing golf, cards, and watching Notre Dame football. He was never a sore loser but was an obnoxious winner. He delighted in his two grandchildren, Elizabeth West and Paul West (Marybeth Burriss-West), and recently became a great grandfather to Gianna West and Theo West.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church (725 Magdala Place, Apex, NC) on May 16 at 11:00, EST. Reception to follow. Memorial in Denver at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made to Transitions Life Care, in honor of their compassionate care of Tom: www.transitionslifecare.org/donate