Thomas Gunning, former executive director of NRCA affiliate North/East Roofing Contractors Association, passed away July 16.
Gunning dedicated his life to advancing the construction industry. He began his career as a member of the Laborers Local 223 and joined the Building Trades Employers’ Association in 1986. In 1992, Gunning became executive director of the BTEA and Northeast Roofing Contractors Association, serving more than 500 contractors for more than 30 years.
Gunning was a recipient of the Cushing Gavin Award; Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association’s Executive Legislative Advocate of the Year; SMACNA’s Chapter Executive of the Year; Clarence J. Carr Roofing Industry Award; Boy Scouts of America “Good Scout” Award; and the first annual Good Guy Award.
Gunning also supported many charities, including the Thomas S. Gunning Scholarship, Saint John’s Seminary, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Modern Assistance Program, and the Liver Foundation.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gunning’s memory can be made to Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Mass General Development Office, 125 Nashua St., Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114-1101 or at www.giving.massgeneral.org/where-to-give/cancer-center/.
