Thomas James Murray

Tom kept his sense of humor until the very end. When discussing possible details for an obituary, he suggested a perfunctory and playful two words: “he dead!” Humor us, as we add a bit more to that statement.

Thomas J. Murray was born 12 February 1962 in Plainfield, NJ to Carole and Jim Murray. Tom passed away peacefully on 22 March 2023, with Melanie, his wife of over forty years by his side.

Tom is survived by Melanie, their children Sarah (Andrew) Fast, Caleb (Teresa) Murray, Jacob (Devin) Murray, Daniel (Judith) Murray; six remarkable grand-littles, Charlotte, Eleanor, Maeve, Simon (Fast), Esther, Franny (Murray); his sister, Kathleen (Dennis) Hickey and brother-in-law Brent Morgan, and three nieces and one nephew. For much of his life, Tom found his primary identity and joy in three categories—father, husband, and friend. For the last seven years, he leaned into his new grandfatherly identity as the silly, indomitable, picture-book-reading heavyweight “Poggy”.

Tom was a spiritual man and a religious golfer. He leaves behind a daily devotional whose loose pages and creased spine attest to his deep, personal faith. He also leaves behind a near-Angelic multitude of golf buddies and life-long friends. As Proverbs 27 and common wisdom attest, a man’s character is reflected by the people he surrounds himself with. Tom’s pantheon of compassionate, uproarious, and principled friends speaks volumes.

A full recounting of Tom’s career in business, advertising, and philanthropy could fill volumes. Tom delighted in his time as a double Buckeye (BA, MBA); President and CEO of Perio-Barbasol; and board member, advisor, and philanthropist (A Kid Again, Wittenberg University, Cristo Rey, and The Evans Scholars). But anyone who knew Tom and his accomplishments also knew that he took as much pride in his time as a pizza guy at the old Iacono’s and the predawn paper route that afforded him the funds for his first VHS recorder.

Shortly before he passed, Tom sat up in his hospital bed and looked at the semicircle of his family filling the room and said, “I can finally say goodbye to everyone.” Today, we share this short reflection, an excavation of tender memories, a paltry collection of words that cannot begin to contain the life that was lived by Tom Murray, a life marked by good humor, friendship, integrity, and love.

A huge Murray Family shoutout to the brilliant doctors, nurses, and staff at The James/OSUCCC who provided remarkable care for Tom. Dr. Amir Mortazavi, who easily became a dear and trusted friend. Who, with his team, worked tirelessly researching and implementing the next best option for Tom’s care. Dr. Peter Lee and Dr. Somashekar Krishna for their brilliant skills and gentle, honest care. Dr. Arjun Mittra, Dr. Alma Habib, the nurses, PCAs, PAs, and entire staff on the 18th Floor of The James – you folks have our hearts. Thank you for how lovingly you cared for Tom, how you cared for all of us.

Tom made us laugh every single day. To honor that laughter and celebrate all that he was in this life, there will be an Open House Celebration of Tom on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 11:00am to 3:00pm at Scioto Country Club, Upper Arlington, OH. Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Northwest.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of the following organizations:

The Ohio State University Foundation, Attn: OSUCCC-James, FUND NUMBER: 316905, PO Box 710811, Columbus, OH 43271-0811

or

Cristo Rey Orlando High School 605 Commonwealth Ave, Orlando, Fl 32803

or

Evans Scholars Foundation, 2501 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, IL 60026-8022