Thomas J. Murray Sr., devoted legion member

Thomas J. Murray Sr., 88, was born in South Philadelphia, Pa., Nov. 21, 1933.  He died April 15, 2022, at Delaware Hospice, Milford, after a courageous three-year battle with lung cancer.

For 15 years, Tom was a member of the Teamsters, driving for Sylvan Seal Milk Inc. He was then employed for 17 years at Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Lester, Pa., where he was a toolmaker. At age 50, after Westinghouse closed its doors, Tom opened Sharp and Sharp Grinding Service, a very successful tool and die business in Upland, Pa. Twelve years later he retired, and he and his wife Dorothy moved to North Carolina. In 1998, they moved to Millsboro. In 2004, they bought a large motor home and traveled the country for five years, visiting 38 states.

For the last 12 years, Tom was an active member of Squadron 17 of the Sons of the American Legion at Post 17, Lewes. For more than three years he prepared Friday-night dinners, and always cooked for special events, including funerals, breakfast for the annual Labor Day Rylie’s Smile Foundation 5K Run, and biannual luncheons for veterans from the Milford Veterans Home after their fishing trips, making sure that he prepared a huge pot of their favorite hillbilly chili!

He was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Murray Chobert; son, Patrick Murray; daughter, Deborah Murray; beloved niece, Mary Lou Narbus; grandson, Thomas C. Murray; and daughter-in-law, June Murray. Tom is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Dorothy J. Murray; son, Thomas J. Murray Jr. (Deborah Henderson); daughter, Catherine Murray Powers (Michael); seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and godchildren who loved him dearly.

The Murray family wishes to thank Tunnell Cancer Center, Beebe Home Health nurses, and Delaware Hospice for their kindness and compassion during Tom’s long illness.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 23, at American Legion Post 17 pavilion, 113 American Legion Road, Lewes. We look forward to sharing fond memories and honoring the life of a very good man who gave so much to his Legion family and to the veterans they serve.

Mr. Murray preferred donations be made in his memory to Squadron 17, P.O. Box 5, Lewes, DE 19958, which will be used to support our honored veterans.