Thomas Joseph Funk, 1946-2016

Thomas J. Funk, age 69, of Worthington, died January 17, 2016 after a two-year illness. Tom was born in Akron, Ohio, the son of Carroll D. and Ninfa (Vitrano) Funk. He grew up on Akron's North Hill and attended St. Vincent High School. He graduated in 1968 from the Honors College at Michigan State University with a degree in Mathematics. His plans to attend graduate school were cut short when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served for two years, including a year stationed at Long Binh, South Vietnam. After his discharge with the rank of sergeant, Tom moved to Columbus to begin a career in software development with Chemical Abstracts Service. He then worked for consulting firms in both Columbus and Arlington, Virginia before becoming an independent contractor. Tom enjoyed reading and learning, assisting neighbors with projects, meeting new people, and following Spartan sports. He was especially interested in electronics, math, science, and history. He loved children and had a natural rapport with them. Some of his favorite memories were of coaching youth sports, particularly soccer. Tom is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sue; son, Scott of Hamilton, Ohio; sisters, Carol (Rich) Eberly of Ooltewah, TN and Sandi Saffles of Silver Lake, OH; three nephews, several great-nephews and nieces, and his best friend of over 50 years, Doug Falcon of Jamesville, NY. The family wishes to thank all of the medical staff who cared for Tom in the past two years, especially Dr. Charles Tweel, nurse Tonya Wiley, and the staff at Mayfair Village Nursing Center who became an extended family. The family will receive visitors 4-7 p.m. Sunday, January 24, 2016 at RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High Street, Worthington, OH 43085. Private family interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's memory to the USO or the Wounded Warrior Project.