January 28, 2025
John Murphy: A Decade of Service and a Legacy of Giving Back
By Jessica Scipione
After retiring from a demanding human resources career back in 2011, John Murphy felt he had “all the time in the world.” And since his brother lives with an intellectual disability, John began researching volunteer opportunities at organizations serving individuals with disabilities and identified Inglis.
John has volunteered with Inglis for more than a decade and has built meaningful connections with countless residents. His commitment has earned him admiration from residents and staff alike. Volunteer and Internship Manager Patti Veltri highlights his impact, saying, “John is an absolutely wonderful volunteer who gives himself completely to our mission and residents!”
For John, volunteering has been a deeply fulfilling experience. “I feel like I get more than I give,” he shares, reflecting on the joy and perspective he has gained.
A Memorable Friendship
John has many cherished memories of Melanie Wilkins, a resident he grew close to during his visits. Melanie, who had no use of her arms and legs and spoke in a soft whisper, had an indomitable spirit. She used a specialized tool to type lists of tasks for John, painstakingly preparing for his visits.
“Her lists were often long,” John recalls, “but given the effort she put into them, I made sure to help her with everything she needed.” Despite the challenges of communication, John and Melanie shared countless laughs.
A Legacy of Impact
After his first year of volunteering, John realized he could do more. Together with his husband Tom Ayers, they decided to deepen their involvement by supporting Inglis financially and including the organization in their estate plans through the Annie Inglis Society.
“We decided to include Inglis in our estate plans because I saw how much Inglis offered people with disabilities, and we wanted to help ensure that those services would continue to be possible in the future.” John shares.
We are deeply grateful for John and Tom’s contributions, which have touched countless lives and inspired others to give of their time, energy, and resources. Their dedication exemplifies the power of community and the lasting difference we can make by supporting one another.
Tom (left) and John (right) in the Picos de Europa mountain range in Northern Spain. Tom and John are avid international travelers.