Tirso Maranan Maalihan

Tirso Maalihan was born on April 23, 1934, to immigrant parents Tirso Maranan Maalihan Sr. from the Philippines and Juana Angeles Maalihan from Mexico who both have preceded him in death. He was born at Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington, DC. He was the eldest of 3 boys. Today, we celebrate the life of a remarkable man, Tirso, whose strength, love, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him. From humble beginnings, his father placed him and his brothers Ponciano and Magalino (both preceded him in death) in St. Joseph’s Home & School for Boys in NE DC several years after his mom passed away when he was just 3-years old. They remained there until they became adults. He grew into a man of unwavering resilience, honor, and devotion.

He was educated in DC Catholic school attending St. Peter’s. While he was in high school, he was offered an apprenticeship at Army Times Magazine in DC where he started in the mailroom. After a pressman quit, he was offered the position, and he flourish. He often went to a bar near his job with his co-workers. The guy at the bar couldn’t pronounce his name. He called him Murphy. He adopted that name and that is what they called him throughout his career. He worked as a pressman at Electronic Industrial Association (EIA) near the White House for 37 years. One of his memorable print jobs was the President’s budget. He took classes learning bricklaying, car body repair & electrical wiring. He spent the last 10 years working at Pitney Bowes’ in the mailroom before he retired on 6/1/2005.

He served his country proudly in the Army. He was stationed in Fort MacArthur, CA trained for the guided missiles in October 1957 serving 4 years active and 4 years reserve, embodying the values of duty and sacrifice. He received his GED from the United States Armed Forces Institute Madison Wisconsin on 3/29/1957. He was a prostate cancer survivor. But above all, his greatest pride and joy was marrying his beloved Zoila (preceded him in death just 10 months prior) on 8/31/1968, whom he adored beyond measure. He would bring her dinner every night to her job and sit with her during her lunch break. He would run bath water and wait outside for her to come home from work. Together, they built a beautiful family in Avondale (30+ years), raising two wonderful daughters, embracing their sons-in-law and granddaughters with open arms and boundless love.

On February 20, 2025, he peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his family after a brief illness. Tirso found joy in life’s simple pleasures—bowling in leagues, playing his acoustic guitar or banjo by ear to country/bluegrass music, bingo, betting on horses, playing the lottery, giving to cancer & other charities and cheering on his Washington sports teams the Nationals, the Capitals, the Wizards but especially the Washington Redskins (Commanders) with unwavering loyalty. He was a season pass holder since the first stadium was called Griffin Stadium. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 37 years. His love for donuts stemmed from a core memory of his father buying them from a gas station across the street from St. Joseph’s and walking up the hill to visit him and his brothers. He had a sharp humorous witty personality that even dementia could not erase. His passions reflected his warm and easygoing spirit. But perhaps nothing brought him greater happiness than taking his family on regular vacations, leaving a legacy of cherished memories that will live on in our hearts. We will always be his little girls.

Tirso is survived by two children Sandra Green (Randy), Rosie Washington (George), four granddaughters Sylvia & Shawna Bell, Hannah & Hailey Washington, three great-granddaughters Alexis Campbell, Payton Jones & Melitta Lynch and a host of nieces and nephews.