Remembering Thomas Murphy

Thomas “Bear” Murphy
February 19, 1956 – October 18, 2021

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our friend and board member, Bear Murphy. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family.

Rahway – Thomas “Bear” J. Murphy, 65, passed away suddenly on Monday, October 18, 2021 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway.  Bear was born in Elizabeth and lived in Roselle for 19 years and Rahway for the past 47 years. He was a Abraham Clark High School Graduate in 1974 and was a member of the High School Football Team as a Defensive Tackle.  Bear worked all his life at Murphy Towing in Rahway.  He took over the business from his father in 1992.  Murphy Towing has been in business for over 57 years.

He was a member of the Garden State Towing Association and  served as Vice President and Treasurer.  Bear was a member of the Rahway Honorary Local 31, the PBA Rahway FMBA Honorary Member, the Rahway First Aid Squad Honorary Member. He was an Avid NY Giants Fan, and a Notre Dame Fan.  Bear was proud to be Irish. Bear was there for everyone no matter the need, day or night.  He was a loving brother, uncle and friend to many and will be missed by all.

Bear is predeceased by his late father and mother Michael and Ruth Murphy and brother in law John Chabak. He is survived by his sister, Jane Ann Murphy-Chabak, niece Sarah Jane Chabak,  nephew Michael Chabak and may close friends from throughout the county.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 4-8 pm at the Lehrer-Gibilisco Funeral Home, 275 West Milton Avenue, Rahway, NJ  07065. Funeral Services will take place on Friday, October 22, 2021, 9:00 am from the funeral home, 10:00 am St. John the Apostle RC Church, Clark.  Interment St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in “Bear’s” name to:  the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame or the Survivor Fund, 3315 Broad Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37408  or the Rahway PBA Local #31, P.O. Box 832, Rahway, NJ  07065 or Rahway Fire Department FMBA33, P.O. Box 28, Rahway, NJ 07065

At the request of the family there will be a tow truck procession to honor Bear.   Please contact Mary Leigh at 732-530-4782 and let us know if you will be sending a truck to assist us in working with the police to set this up.   All trucks need to be at the funeral home on Friday between 8:00 and 8:30 am.