MURPHY

TIMOTHY FRANCIS

Timothy Francis Murphy, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and public servant, passed away at his home on Saturday, July 18, 2026. He was 73 years old. While known to the public as a dedicated congressman and a pioneering psychologist, Tim's truest joy was found in the moments he spent with his family.

Born in Cleveland in 1952 as one of eleven children to John Thomas and Florence Murphy, Tim learned early on the value of community and looking out for others. He was raised with a profound faith that shaped his life, attending Walsh Jesuit High School before graduating from Wheeling Jesuit College. This lifelong commitment to the Catholic Church and its teachings was the cornerstone of his character, guiding his actions both in public office and behind closed doors.

It was during his college years that he met the love of his life, Nanette Missig. Also a trained counselor, Nan was his steady anchor, joining him when he moved to Pittsburgh to pursue his doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh.

Long before he ever entered the political arena, he was known simply as "Dr. Tim"—a popular guest on local Pittsburgh television and a compassionate child psychologist who dedicated his early career to helping families navigate life's challenges, even co-authoring the award-winning book The Angry Child.

When he transitioned to public service, he brought that same heart for healing to government, building a distinguished career marked by major legislative accomplishments. Entering politics in 1996 as a Pennsylvania State Senator, Murphy authored and steered the passage of the 1997 Pennsylvania Patient Bill of Rights, which added vital accountability provisions for managed health care insurance plans.

His impactful work continued on the national stage when he was elected to United States Congress in 2002, representing Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District for 15 years. During his tenure, he became the nation's leading voice for mental health reform, authoring the landmark "Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act," which became part of the broader 21st Century Cures Act of 2016. This historic measure provided $130 billion in federal funding and realigned 112 federal agencies and programs, creating the office of Assistant Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

Beyond health policy, Tim successfully fought to save the 911th Airforce Base in Moon from closure, championed trade protections for local manufacturing, and served his country as a Commander and psychologist in the U.S. Naval Reserve. For Tim, the work was never about political gain; it was about living out his Christian values by doing the right thing for people who didn't have a voice.

In retirement, he continued this mission, providing counseling to those in need of help which inspired authoring his third book, The Christ Cure. His tireless work ethic, devoutness, and profound selflessness that defined his public service were on equally full display in his private life as a long-time parishioner of St. Thomas More Church. Tim never truly stepped away from his calling to serve; he was the ultimate rock for those who knew him best: always reliable and dependable, there for anyone who needed a hand.

Throughout his life and especially into his later years, he quietly acted as a mentor and counselor to countless individuals navigating difficult times. When friends or family members fell ill, Tim was the one who stepped up without hesitation, offering his time and his deeply compassionate heart to take care of them. To know Tim was to know that you were never alone in a crisis.

Yet, if you asked Tim what he was most proud of, his answer never involved the halls of Congress. Without hesitation, he would tell you it was his family. For Tim, success wasn't measured by his many career accomplishments, but by the time spent surrounded by the people he loved.

He was a multi-talented man of many hobbies; an accomplished musician, it wasn't uncommon to see Tim pick up a guitar and play with the band at fundraisers and weddings alike. His skill as a horticulturist is evident by his beautifully landscaped home and garden. He also had an endless desire and curiosity to learn, always researching and expanding his mind.

Tim was also an avid outdoorsman who loved fly fishing, hiking and camping. His love for exploration took him far beyond local trails, traveling extensively abroad with Nan and on several family vacations to resorts, beaches and Disney World with Nan and his daughter's family. In retirement, the man who once debated on the house floor soaked up the routine of weekends in the bleachers of a baseball field or a packed auditorium, never missing a game or dance recital.

Tim lived fully, loved deeply, and taught those around him the irreplaceable value of faith and family. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service, and a family who will carry his memory in their hearts forever.

Tim is survived by his beloved wife, Nanette; his daughter, Bevin DeSantis, her husband, Dan DeSantis; and his three grandchildren, Thomasina, Luca, and Nico, all of Upper St. Clair.

He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Dittebrand, Susan Vance-Johnson; and a sister-in-law, Nicolette Friday.

He is survived by sisters, Nellann (Robert) Nipper; Kathy (the late John), Vitale; Heather (Peter) von Allmen; Erin (Paul) Bailey; and Sarah (Rick) Kluge; brothers John Tom (Karen) Murphy; Christopher Murphy and Ray (Karen) Murphy.

He is also survived by his mother-in-law Jeanette Missig (the late Raymond); and in-laws include Neil (Carol) Missig; Nadine (Terry) Tripodi; Norine (Rick) Doria; Nina (Ron) Peterson; Nita (Jeff) Carroll; and Noel Missig.

Viewing will be held on Friday, July 24 from 2-8pm at BEINHAUER FUNERAL HOME, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317.

Mass of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, July 25 at 10am at St. Thomas More Church, 126 Fort Couch Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241. Please meet at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Band of Parents in support of pediatric cancer research, specifically Neuroblastoma.

https://www.bandofparents.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=23950227573&utm_content=196355046886&utm_term=band%20of%20parents&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23950227573&gbraid=0AAAAADG4tdpJeC7CgsKBgnXzgfe00ZoBw&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjvfSBhDpARIsAEiOpSvwqjAsxtd-FTcjMsy5cC_N8x2TWGD_vye5wKam7WQI8GK4gM89SbEaAiadEALw_wcB