“Thanks for being my friend.” Words that Tom McClure, Jr. would always say as he parted ways with everyone he met. Tom, affectionately known by his family and friends as Uncle Tom, was the kindest person you would ever meet, according to his sister, Diane Murry, and niece, Judy Hastings. “Everyone who knew him loved him,” shared Judy. “He was the life of the party.” “He had a wonderful sense of humor,” commented Diane. And he was like that throughout his cancer diagnosis, fighting a terrible disease and receiving chemo treatments head on with humor and grace. In November 2020, Tom lost his courageous battle with cancer at the age of 78.

Caring for the Patient and Caregiver
Tom received hospice care at home, eventually moving to The E. E. Manny Murry Center’s Bob Fryer & Family Inpatient Center for several days. “Hospice & Community Care made it possible for me to be with Tom,” shared Diane. Diane was Tom’s caregiver throughout his entire illness and caring for him made them even closer. “I miss him like crazy,” smiled Diane. “I do not know what I would have done without the Hospice team. I was comforted knowing that they were only a phone call away. They got us through the rough times, visited with Tom twice a day as his symptoms progressed, brought equipment to make him comfortable and so much more.”

Tom was an entertainer, learning to play the organ and other instruments at a young age. “He could captivate crowds with his Elvis impressions,” laughed Diane. He also played in the Tammany Hall Band as a drummer and keyboardist. “Tom was a one man concert and there was scarcely a holiday where he wasn’t playing music,” shared Wes Murry, Trustee, the Murry Foundation, and Diane Murry’s grandson. “As a family we would be seated around Tom shouting out the next song we wanted him to play and sing.” “Tom and the Hospice chaplain made such a connection because of his love of music,” commented Diane. “They would spend their time together singing and praying.”

When Tom was moved to the Inpatient Center, Diane and Judy stayed by his side. “I cannot say enough about the Inpatient Center,” shared Diane. Tom passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic and Diane and Judy had to adhere to the Center’s visitation policies. “It was a tough time because of Covid,” shared Judy. “But, the Inpatient Center staff made us feel so comfortable.” “Tom’s room was very quiet and home-like, giving him and us a sense of peace,” shared Diane. “The Hospice team made the unbearable, bearable.”

While at the Inpatient Center, Tom was recognized for his service in the United States Navy with a vet-to-vet pinning ceremony. The ceremony was conducted by a Hospice volunteer, who was also a Veteran. Tom was presented with a military pin, service certificate and flag to recognize and thank him for his service. “The pinning meant so much to Tom,” shared Diane. “The Veteran volunteer was so kind to my brother and they just talked and talked about their experiences in the service.”

Giving Back to Others in Need
To honor Tom’s life and the exceptional care that he received at the Inpatient Center, Diane and the Murry Foundation established The William “Tom” McClure, Jr. Inpatient Needs Endowment Fund. “I was so touched that the Murry Foundation was doing this for Tom,” shared Diane.

“To put it simply, Tom was a treasure of a human,” shared Wes. “His personality was unique, positive and uplifting. If you were spending time with Tom, you were smiling, laughing or generally just happy. Through this lens, having Tom associated with the Inpatient Center made a lot of sense to our family and we are excited to be able to make an impact in his name.”

The Murry Foundation was founded in 1974 by Emanuel “Manny” Murry. Manny was taught from an early age the importance of giving back to the communities where he lived and worked. He had achieved success through his early career and he wanted to make sure that he held true to his early teachings. Manny was not known for doing small or ad hoc endeavors. To those who knew him, it will come as no great surprise that he formed a foundation to formalize his giving and the giving his family would make in future generations. “Today we operate the foundation from the viewpoint of duty to our communities and the people in greatest need,” shared Wes.

“Palliative care is an act of kindness every individual should have access to,” commented Wes. “End of life can be mentally challenging. It doesn’t need to be lonely. Playing a small role to bring families together during this transition period in life is the right thing to do.”

The income from the Endowment Fund may be used to support ongoing needs and maintenance of furnishings within the Inpatient Center and to enhance or maintain the aesthetics of the Center. It will also be used to purchase and maintain needed supplies, furniture and technology that elevate the experience of patients, families, staff and visitors.

“I always told Uncle Tom that he was giving me a gift to help him at a time when he needed it most,” shared Judy. “While I wish we could have changed the situation, I would not have changed my ability to help him.” “When we got the news that Tom could no longer have chemo, I was sitting beside him and he took my hand and said, ‘I’m going to miss you most of all,’” a tearful Diane shared. “As heartbreaking as his illness was, it allowed Tom and me to spend quality time together. We cherished every moment and I feel so blessed to have had those wonderful moments.”

“Thank you… to each and every individual working within the Hospice ecosystem,” shared Wes. “Thank you to all the supporters, donors and volunteers. Your commitment and energy has a profound impact to those under the care of Hospice.” To make a gift to The William “Tom” McClure, Jr. Inpatient Needs Endowment Fund, contact Amy Lewis, Director of Philanthropy, at (717) 735-8729 or alewis@hospicecommunity.org.