Obituary of Thomas J. Murtha

MURTHA – Thomas James, 88, of Ebensburg, passed away peacefully at Altoona Hospital on May 30, 2025. Born July 24, 1936, in Tyrone, son of the late Thomas Murtha and Helyn (Stahl) Murtha.

Preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Anne Marie (Aroney) Murtha; and his sister, Cordell Klisanin.

Survived by two sons, Thomas (Kim) Murtha and Timothy (Beth) Murtha; and two daughters, Patti Murtha and Susie Murtha. He was the proud grandfather of Cassie (Seth) Adams, Tommy Murtha, Jennifer (Kyle) Rivera, Katie (Evan) Gaviglio, Annie Murtha, Samantha (Spencer) Chandler, Jamie Murtha, Timothy Murtha, and Maggie Murtha. He was also a great-grandfather to Maggie Adams and Oliver Chandler.

Tom was an accomplished business owner, operating several Murtha Furniture Company stores from 1959 to 2023. He was a lifelong member of Holy Name Roman Catholic Church, Ebensburg.

Tom was very active in the community, serving as President of both the Ebensburg Country Club and the Ebensburg Rotary. He also coached Little League and the Holy Name Hawks. He was a member of the Saint Francis Stokes Club and was actively involved in their basketball program.

He graduated from Villanova University in 1958. His greatest passions were his faith, his family, his community, golfing, attending Pittsburgh Steelers games and Villanova basketball. 

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in the Holy Name Church Narthex from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass and Celebration of the Life of Thomas J. Murtha at 11:00 a.m., honoring Tom’s remarkable life, enduring legacy, and the many lives he touched., the Rev. Brian Warchola, celebrant. Interment to follow at Holy Name Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to the Holy Name Angel Fund or the Saint Francis University Sports Program.  Arrangements are in the care of the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg.  Condolences to the family may be left at www.askew-houser.com