Tom Murphy, who was the official voice of the state Department of Education under several administrations, has died.

Murphy, 60, died five years after a diagnosis with a cancer that cost him the vision in one eye and led to his retirement last June.

“For nearly 20 years, Tom Murphy served the Connecticut State Department of Education as its Public Information Officer,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said today in a statement. “Tom served several Commissioners of Education and throughout his tenure, his integrity, vast knowledge of subject matter affecting Connecticut’s public schools and good humor carried the day. To his family and friends, we express our deepest sympathies on the loss of a cherished friend and fellow state employee.”