Dorothy Murtha

Naugatuck, CT Dorothy A. “Dot” Murtha, 93, widow of Thomas F. Murtha, Sr., whom she was married to for 45 years, died peacefully on April 1, 2024 at River Glen in Southbury with loving family by her side.

Dorothy was born December 23, 1930 in Shelton, CT daughter of the late Robert and Katherine (McIntyre) Wheeler and had lived in Naugatuck for most of her life. She graduated from Saint Mary’s High School and from Stone College in New Haven with an Associate’s Degree in Business. Before retiring she worked as a secretary at Sutherland Insurance Company.

Dot was a devout Catholic and member of the Naugatuck Council of Catholic Women. Dot had many beloved friends and family, including Joanne, Jane, Libby, Barbara, Marilyn, Doris and Ruthie. She enjoyed traveling with Tom and their children, creating special memories with trips to Myrtle Beach, Maine and Burke, Vermont. Dot especially enjoyed time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Thomas F. Murtha, Jr. (Laurie), Catherine Bursey (Blake), Christy Fuller (Harry), Robert Murtha and John Murtha (Sandy); her grandchildren, Kiersten Lopes (Michael), Patrick Bursey (Jennifer), Sarah Bursey and Mary Murtha; her great grandchildren, Wyatt, Tori and Cora Lopes.

The family would like to thank the staff at River Glen Health Care Center in Southbury for their kindness and compassion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church Street, Naugatuck. Everyone attending is kindly asked to please meet directly at church. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Cross Street, Naugatuck. Calling hours are Friday from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck. In lieu of flowers and to honor Dorothy’s memory, donations are requested to Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center, 45 Gabriel Drive, Naugatuck, CT 06770.