Remembering Tom Gunning

It is with great sadness that we share the loss of former NERCA Executive Director and pioneer of the construction industry, Thomas J Gunning. 

Thomas J. Gunning, of Milton, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, July 16, 2022.

Beloved husband of Rosemary J. (Sweeney) Gunning. Survived by his devoted children; Thomas S. Gunning & his wife Jenn of Pembroke, Kristen A. Gunning of Dorchester, Colin A. Gunning of Milton, Brian J. Gunning of Quincy, and Gracemarie R. Yovino & her husband Stephen of South Weymouth. Grandfather of Thomas J. Gunning IV and soon to be Mia J. Gunning. Brother of Patricia McNulty & her husband Gerry, and the late K. Jane Logue & her surviving husband Jim among many nieces and nephews. Beloved son of the late Thomas S. & Gracemarie Gunning.

Tom dedicated his life to advancing the construction industry. He began his career as a member of the Laborers Local 223, and in 1986 joined the Building Trades Employers’ Association (BTEA). In 1992, Tom became the Executive Director of the BTEA and Northeast Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) serving over 500 contractors for more than 30 years. Tom was a 14-year board member of both the Mt. Washington and East Boston Savings Banks, while also serving as chairman and co-chair for multiple building trades’ pension, annuity, health and welfare funds. A recipient of the Cushing Gavin Award, SMACNA’s Executive Legislative Advocate of the Year (2008, 2015), SMACNA’s Chapter Executive of the Year in 2001, the Roofing Industry’s Clarence Carr Award, the Boy Scouts of America “Good Scout” Award and the 1st annual Good Guy Award, Tom’s hard work was celebrated by all who knew him.

Tom’s greatest pride and joy was his family. Tom and Rose celebrated 42 years of marriage and were each other’s greatest supporters. Tom always put his family first and beamed with pride as he shared his children’s accomplishments. As both a coach and their biggest fan, Tom never missed his children’s sporting events. He will be lovingly remembered as a generous and humble man who brought a smile to everyone’s face. He possessed an amazing ability to connect with people from all walks of life. If you met Tom Gunning for the first time, you had a cherished friendship for life.

Tom was an advocate for giving back to the community. He supported many charities including, the Thomas S. Gunning Scholarship, Saint John’s Seminary, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Modern Assistance Program, the Liver Foundation and many others. Tom always gave with his heart and shied away from recognition.

A member of Wollaston Golf Club and Palm Aire Country Club, Tom could often be found enjoying time on the golf course with family and friends.

Visiting hours at Saint Agatha Church, 432 Adams Street, Milton, MA Thursday, July 21, 4-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church Friday, July 22, at 12 noon. Relatives and friends invited. Interment Milton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Mass General Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114-1101 or www.giving.massgeneral.org/where-to-give/cancer-center/