Former U.S. Representative and Pennsylvania State Senator Tim Murphy died over the weekend at his home from an apparent heart attack. He was 73 years old.
Murphy, a Republican and practicing psychologist from Upper St. Clair, spent more than two decades in public office, representing Southwestern Pennsylvania at both the state and federal levels. His passing was confirmed Sunday by local officials and political organizations across Allegheny County.
A Cleveland native, Dr. Tim Murphy earned his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh before entering politics. He was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate in 1996, serving until 2003, when he won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District.
During his 15-year tenure in Congress, Murphy made mental health reform his signature issue. As a practicing clinician, he brought a rare healthcare perspective to Capitol Hill, authoring the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. The landmark legislation was later incorporated into the federal 21st Century Cures Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2016.
In addition to his legislative achievements, Murphy served as a commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve Medical Service Corps from 2009 to 2017 and led several congressional investigations into the national opioid crisis.
Murphy’s long congressional career came to an abrupt end in October 2017, when he resigned amid personal controversy and allegations of workplace misconduct following reports involving an extramarital affair.
After leaving Washington, Murphy returned to private practice as a psychologist and served as an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.
Despite the abrupt end to his political career, colleagues across Pennsylvania remembered Murphy for his relentless work ethic and dedication to local issues:
“Tim was a true statesman who cared deeply about the people he represented. Whether you agreed with his policies or not, no one could deny his unwavering commitment to his constituents or the tireless work ethic he brought to public service every single day.” — Nick Sherman, Washington County Commissioner
Democratic State Senate Leader Jay Costa also acknowledged their bipartisan efforts:”We had the opportunity to work together on a few issues we both felt passionately about, like expanding access to pre-K for all children. Keeping his friends and family in my thoughts.”
