Thomas Wanner

Thomas J. Wanner, 73, of Akron, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born on December 18, 1951, and was raised in Columbus, Ohio. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Catherine (Katie) and John Arnold (Jack) Wanner and his brother, John. Tom leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Susan and daughters Kristina (Dustin) Davis and Elizabeth (Jeff Carcell). Tom was the proud Papa of 7 grandchildren, Reegan, Jack, Quinn, Brogan, Aubrey, Evelyn and Clara. He leaves behind brothers Tim (Marcy) and Jim and sisters Molly (Dave) Taylor and Sally (Jerry) Martin. He was the uncle and great-uncle of many. And a true friend to anyone he met.

Tom was a very religious man having always been active in his parish and was chosen as a lector, attending daily mass, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was proud of his strong Irish heritage and enjoyed genealogy. He looked forward to family gatherings, especially Salt Fork and Maumee Bay. Tom loved a good car ride with no destination in mind. He enjoyed his time fishing, bird watching and a good conversation. But most of all he treasured his time spent with his grandchildren. Tom's motto was "God is Love".

Tom attended college at St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana for two years and finished his education at The Ohio State University in 1974. He began his career in the construction association world as the Education Director of the Associated General Contractors of America in Cleveland and later, Detroit. Tom's passion became his work as Executive Director of the Mechanical and Plumbing Industry Council in 1986, which included MCA/Mechanical Contractors' Association of Cleveland, CPCA/Cleveland Plumbing Contractors' Association, MCA/NCO, Mechanical Contractors' Association of North Central Ohio and MCA/ECO/Mechanical Contractors Association of East Central Ohio representing the union affiliated mechanical and plumbing contractor. His job included labor relations, collective bargaining, education and training, legislation and codes and business operations.

Tom's career included a Leadership Cleveland graduate, a 12-month awareness and networking program for Greater Cleveland Executives. He served as trustee for the National Mechanical Contracting Foundation, was chairman of the UCIP Apprenticeship and EEO Committee (a Cleveland labor/management program comprised of all building trade unions and corresponding associations), a member of the Cleveland City Council EEO committee and numerous local industry, business and civic organizations. He was also the past chairman of the National MCAA Association Executives Council. All this, as well as a part-time communications instructor at Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland campus.

In his role during labor relations and in his life, Tom was a soft-spoken, mild mannered and understanding man, with the wisdom of Solomon. He could gently encourage and guide two groups at opposite ends of the spectrum into agreement, while actually having them each absolutely assured of their genuine contributions to a satisfactory conclusion.

When Tom retired, The Mechanical Contractors Association of America established the "MCI - Thomas Wanner Scholarship" which is presented annually at the MCAA convention as part of the Student Chapter program. He was incredibly honored by this unique show of appreciation. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tom's scholarship program. Please make checks payable to "MCI - Thomas Wanner Scholarship" and send to 950 Keynote Circle Suite 40, Cleveland, OH 44131.

A visitation will be held Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at the Hummel Funeral Home located at 3475 Copley Rd., Copley, OH 44321. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following day Friday, March 14, 2025, at 11:30am at St. Hilary Parish located at 2750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333 with interment at Rose Hill Burial Park to follow.