MIDDLEBURY – Thomas F. Murray Sr., 83, retired Waterbury Fire Department battalion chief, passed away on Thursday evening, Nov. 9, 2023, with his daughter by his side. He was the husband of the late Sheila Mary (O’Reilly) Murray.
Tom was born July 21, 1940, in Waterbury, son of the late William (former battalion chief who gave his life in the line of duty) and Dorothy (Wallace) Murray. Raised in Waterbury, he attended local schools, including the former Russell School, where he met the love of his life, Sheila, and was a graduate of Kaynor Technical High School, focusing on automotive technology.
He served honorably in the United States Naval Reserves as a Seabee. Following his discharge he went to work for CL&P and then became a member of the Waterbury Fire Department in 1965.
On Sept. 6, 1965, Tom began his career on the fire department; on April 19, 1978, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant; on March 18, 1979, he was promoted to the rank of captain; on April 3, 1989, he was promoted to the rank of battalion chief; and on May 7, 1995, he retired.
He will be remembered, like his father, as a true leader when things got challenging, with the bullhorn and ax, if not inside every fire. “Hagar the Horrible” was always ready to lead the company in every emergency and he expected the best from his team.
After retiring, he enjoyed stops for coffee in many local firehouses, serving as an unofficial ‘consultant’ on all things fire department related. He enjoyed Tom Chute on the radio in the morning, talking about the weather and following his beloved New York Yankees and Kansas City Chiefs.
He is survived by his son, Dr. Thomas F. Murray Jr. and his partner Anna Van Huystee, of Falmouth, Maine; his daughter, Tara Murray Van Duzer and her husband Christopher, of Naugatuck; three granddaughters, Kiera Murray, Kendra Murray and Stephanie Van Duzer; his sisters-in law, Sally Signori Murray and Carol Readel White; his good friend, Susan Banda; his goddaughter, Mary Ann Butler Marshak; many nieces and nephews, including Bob Murray, who he loved “shooting the breeze with,” and his faithful companion Morgan (his dog).
He was predeceased by two brothers, Roland and William, and his sister Dorothy Butler.
Calling hours will be on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bergin Funeral Home, 290 E. Main St., Waterbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery in Thomaston.
Memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s name to the Connecticut Burn Center, Bridgeport Hospital Foundation, 267 Grant St., Bridgeport, CT 06610.
