Archives and Records
Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy
Most Reverend Thomas J. Murphy, D.D., S.T.D.
Appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Seattle, May 26, 1987
Succeeded to the office of Archbishop of Seattle, August 21, 1991
Died June 26, 1997
Thomas J. Murphy was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Seattle on May 26, 1987, and succeeded to the See on August 21, 1991.
Archbishop Murphy was born on October 3, 1932 in Chicago’s Westside neighborhood. Known for his indomitable Irish-Catholic spirit, he was an advocate for the poor and needy of the archdiocese, publicly protesting euthanasia and pro-choice initiatives at the state level, and vigorously defending the rights of workers, including disenfranchised timber communities. He traveled frequently to visit the various regions and communities of the archdiocese. Under his direction, Catholic schools continued to flourish, including the opening of new schools such as Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy High School (Everett) and Eastside Catholic High School (Bellevue).
Archbishop Murphy arrived in the archdiocese in the midst of the turmoil that surrounded Archbishop Hunthausen, but came to be loved by the people of Western Washington for his charismatic personality, his dedication to justice, and his deep care for the people of archdiocese. Archbishop Murphy died of leukemia on June 26, 1997.
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