Thomas “Denny” Murtaugh (August 04, 1939 - December 21, 2024)

In loving memory of
Thomas “Denny” Murtaugh
  • August 04, 1939
  • -
  • December 21, 2024

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Obituary

Thomas “Denny” Murtaugh, 85, of The Villages, FL died after a long battle with prostate cancer on Dec 21, 2024. He was born in 1939 in Philadelphia (Prospect Park), Pennsylvania to the late John Michael and Rita Murtaugh. He resided for over 50 years in Los Angeles, CA before moving to The Villages, with his beloved wife, Sharon Clawson, two years ago.

Tom will be forever known for his quick and clever wit. He was in fact a card-carrying member of Mensa, the high IQ society, as well as a life-long scholar. He graduated valedictorian of his high-school class and won a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship, which allowed him to earn a B.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from Purdue University tuition free, with the commitment of service.

His service began with spending summers during college and evolved into four years of active duty following graduation. His first Navy duty was as a line officer on the USS Haleakala, which was an ammunition tender that traveled back and forth providing ammunition to warships at sea, including those stationed in the western Pacific. Next, he transferred into the Engineering Corps of the Navy and spent the rest of his Navy time as an Engineering Officer. He completed his service at the level of Lieutenant and remained deeply proud of having served his country, remaining active in the American Foreign Legion throughout his life.

After completing his military service, he returned to academic pursuits, earning numerous degrees including an M.S. in mechanical engineering from MIT, M.S. in Management Sciences from UCLA, and a law degree from the University of Southern California. Tom parlayed this robust education portfolio into a unique career. His first job was at Mattel, trying to make Barbie talk. He then performed automotive collision research for the federal government before spending ten years working as a lawyer. He found his passion building his own business, Murtaugh Engineers, providing sought-after expert testimony in accident reconstruction. He did this work for over 20 years with clients including various major insurance companies as well as the police and fire departments of LA County. Even in his later years, he read avidly and took continuing-education courses to maintain his many certifications. He even completed various graduate level courses at Northwestern University in NU’s traffic engineering program.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by, his brother John Michael Murtaugh, and nephews Robert, John F., and Colin Murtaugh. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his step-children, Christopher Clawson (wife Elizabeth Clawson) and Abigail Jenkins (husband Randy Jenkins), siblings, Chris Murtaugh (wife Nancy), Terry Murtaugh (wife Erica), and Debbie McDevitt, along with many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Services, 3990 E FL-44 #105, Wildwood, FL 34785

Online condolences may be made by selecting the “Sign Tribute Wall” tab above. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Wounded Warrior Project: Wounded Warrior Project – Donate


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  1. Terry posted an image:
    02 Feb 2025
    Terry, Tom (aka Denny), Chris, and our beloved Uncle Tom.  Denny’s smoldering good looks already evident, as is his limited patience for this family scene
    Terry, Tom (aka Denny), Chris, and our beloved Uncle Tom. Denny’s smoldering good looks already evident, as is his limited patience for this family scene

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