November 22, 1953 - August 7, 2025
Visitation
5-7 p.m. Friday August 22, 2025 at MORELAND FUNERAL HOME
Service
1:30 p.m., Saturday August 23, 2025, at St. Andrews Anglican Church
Thomas John Cunningham was born on November 22, 1953, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Patricia and Peter Cunningham. He passed away at home on August 7th, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife, Kathleen Cunningham, and his family. He was the eldest of five siblings: Mary, David, Bill, and Carol.
Tom had a deep love for music, especially jazz, with a particular fondness for the Columbus Jazz Orchestra. A musician at heart, he played the piano, guitar, baritone, and served as drum major for Roosevelt High School in Des Moines.
Tom graduated from the University of Northern Iowa, where he met his first wife, Barb Jess. They had two children, Erin and Dan, before her passing after battling cancer. Tom spent the first 40 years of his life in Des Moines before relocating to Westerville, Ohio, for the remaining years of his life.
An educator with a master's degree in education, Tom's passion was teaching special needs students. He later worked for McGraw Hill until his retirement. He loved to travel the world and cherished the time he spent with family and friends. The Chicago Cubs held a special place in his heart. Wrigley Field and Hilton Head were among his favorite places to visit, especially with his wife Kathleen and his family.
Tom also enjoyed a good, competitive game of bridge with friends and was an avid reader. He adored his family, especially his granddaughters, Elora and Edelyn, who were the light of his life.
A truly remarkable human being, Tom was fiercely loyal, honorable, kind, loving, and possessed a wonderful sense of humor. He was an amazing husband, father, father-in-law, and brother. Though his physical presence has left this earth, his spirit and memory will live on. Tom lived his life by his motto, "Every day be a blessing to someone and show an act of kindness." Friends may call 5-7 p.m. Friday August 22, 2025 at MORELAND FUNERAL HOME 55 E. Schrock Rd. Westerville, Ohio 43081. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday August 23, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. At St. Andrews Anglican Church 7521 S. Old State Rd. Lewis Center, Ohio 43035.
Condolences
Lynn Straley - Aug 22, 2025
I worked with Tom at Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. He was a kind and gentle man with a lovely smile. I know he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. My condolences to all.
Margo Spaniel - Aug 22, 2025
My heart goes out to you and your family Kathy.
Michael Nemmers - Aug 21, 2025
Tom was one of the most decent human beings I know. He was a beloved member of our family and will be cherished and missed every day. Love and prayers to the Cunningham family.
Diane Stefani - Aug 21, 2025
While years and distance kept us apart, I always had a warm place in my heart for my cousin, Tom. We were only days apart in age and our mothers were in the hospital at the same time. Tom would always tease me about being older but I would remind him that I could get my drivers license before him and reach the drinking age first! I have fond memories of our family reunions as children. Will always keep my fond memories close. Sending comfort and sympathy to his family and his siblings, Mary, David, Carol and Bill.
Narcy Rodgers - Aug 20, 2025
I am saddened to hear this news. Tom was a colleague at McGraw-Hill. He was always a calm and fun(ny) presence and such a kind and gentle person. We shared a common interest in music . My condolences to Tom's loved ones.
Judy (Witmer) Falstrom - Aug 19, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He and I worked together at McGraw-Hill. Our offices were next door to each other. He was always so kind and a very good work friend. I can't believe he's gone. Sending love and my condolences to Kathy and his family.
Fred Andrle - Aug 19, 2025
Tom was a member of a group of eight men who began to get together in 2016 to discuss politics. Our discussions moved from politics to sharing information about our lives. We talked about our families, our beliefs, our experiences and adventures. I'll always remember Tom's kind attentiveness in our discussions, and the love he expressed for his family, his delight in his grandchildren, and his enjoyment of life. God bless you, Tom. All blessings to you and your family.
Pam Tursi (nee Nemmers) - Aug 19, 2025
I was so sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. His mother and my father were siblings including my 5 other aunts and uncles. Tom and I are 6 months apart along with 5 other cousins close in age. Our family reunions were huge. I was always fond of Tom and his sister, Mary. We had great times together. Life and commitments seem to take over but memories are there forever. My sympathy goes out to Kathy, Erin, Dan, Mary, David, Bill, Carol and other family members. May God wrap His loving arms around him. Prayers and condolences to you. Sending long distance hugs. Pam and Scott Tursi but my family is everything to me.
john schuster - Aug 18, 2025
Blessings to all family members who will miss Tom and have known him as a brother, Dad, husband, cousin and friend. I am in the friend category and it was such the life pleasure to have gotten to know Tom in this last decade of his life in Columbus. He was a good and loving and thoughful soul. And the Cubs could go on a loosing streak and not even know why...I so enjoyed his love of that game and Cubby tradtiions)
John Warren - Aug 18, 2025
It was my great good fortune to have been a friend and co-worker of Tom's. An utterly professional salesman, and a true and gentle soul of the Heartland, he was a pleasure to be with. My thoughts are with his family.
Marsha Greene - Aug 18, 2025
I was an assistant in marketing for McGraw-Hill in Columbus. I worked with Tom for many years. He had a great personality and was kind to all.
Ronald Davidson - Aug 17, 2025
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Tom. My memories go back to our boyhood days. Playing and on occasion enjoying his mom's delicious potato soup. As sad as we are on earth, I always envision the "Beautiful Noise" of those that have greeted him in heaven. My wife Cheryl and I send our deepest sympathy. May his memories always be a blessing.
De-Anna Binkley - Aug 15, 2025
I knew Tom at Roosevelt High School when he was the Drum Major of the marching band while I was one of the Riderettes marching on the field and parades following his lead. He was a true leader and truly a nice guy. A friend to everyone. He will definitely leave his mark in the world and be greatly missed.
Alex Pritchard - Aug 15, 2025
Tom was truly a great friend. In high school we played baseball and basketball on the same team. We marched together for three years at TRHS. Tom and I decided to attend UNI together and chose to live together in the dorm. He loved to laugh and he always made me laugh. Tom was a dedicated educator and took pride in his career choice. He was always "one of the good one's".
Mike Wellman - Aug 15, 2025
Tom and I were high school classmates but ran in separate social circles. At our 40th class reunion he sought me out to share some kind words about something I’d written. I was touched. He truly lived the motto cited in his obituary if this anecdote is any indication. I’m certain it is. Peace to all who will mourn his absence from their lives.
Dutch Koch - Aug 15, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a great friend, among many TRHS band pals. No one ever stepped higher than Tom as drum major!
Kimberly Patterson - Aug 15, 2025
I went to TRHS with Tom and remember him as such a sweet, kind person and the photo of him included in his obituary reveals this. I’m sorry to learn of his death and I hope his memory will be a blessing to all who knew him. My condolences to his family and friends. RIP