John Lawrence Tunney III

John Lawrence Tunney III, was born to Rose (Blazo) and John L. Tunney Jr. (Jack) on January 14, 1941.  Raised in Hazelwood and Greenfield, John was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University).  He graduated with his Master of Arts in Industrial Relations from St. Francis College.  A consummate professional and genuine leader, John spent 35 years of his career at PPG Industries, in various capacities.  After retiring from PPG, John founded Digital Keepsakes, producing wedding videos for hundreds of couples.

Though John was known for his solid work ethic, he was more than a career man.  A Scout since childhood, his commitment to servant leadership and nurturing the gifts of others was evident throughout his life.  John earned the rank of Eagle Scout as a teen, but through scouting served as a leader, mentor and friend to many for more than 50 years.   These qualities shaped the entirety of his life – as a neighbor, friend, uncle, parent and grandparent.  John lived his Roman Catholic faith throughout his life, and has been an active member of St. Therese Church, of the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish for nearly 50 years.  Here he served in a variety of manners, from Eucharistic Minister to Parish Council.  He also served on the Board of the Carnegie Library of Homestead, including a term as Chair. 

John was a seasoned traveler. Whether on a business trip or visiting a daughter living abroad, John explored the world with compassion, curiosity, and a respect for others.  John was a source of reliable wisdom, and could be called upon for help with a broad range of questions or needs – from making an informed choice at the polls to navigating the complicated intersections of Pittsburgh.  A life-long railroad enthusiast, John designed, built and ran model railroads, and inspired a love of trains in his kids and grandchildren.  John loved to draw people together – hosting annual backyard cookouts on the fourth of July, inviting friends to Holiday Brass Band Concerts, or opening his backyard pool to his children, grandchildren and all their friends. 

Most importantly, John was a dedicated father to Heather (David) Schoenewolf, Erin Tunney (Paul Mullan) and Kate Tunney (Greg George).  Along with their mother, Sarah Milligan, John taught his daughters lessons that shaped their worldview:  a commitment to family; the value of a good education; the ethics of equity and the beauty of diversity.  John nurtured the interdisciplinary interests of his children and grandchildren, from softball to visual art to musical theater.  He encouraged them to pursue their passions, whether sports, politics, music, or spirituality.  He embraced the uniqueness of each of his children and grandchildren, and modeled a life of community engagement and curiosity. 

In addition to his daughters and their spouses, John is survived by five grandchildren – Rose Mullan, Owen George, Dayna Mullan, Dylan George and Noble Schoenewolf – his sister Helen Schafer (John Avazier), nephews David (Jackie) and Jesse (Maya Ilowite) Schafer, great nephews Luke & Jude Schafer and a great niece Hazel Schafer.  He is survived by his very dear friend, Mary Carol Gigliotti, as well as a loving extended family and many friends.  In lieu of flowers, John’s family requests that you make donations in his memory to Hillman Cancer Center, Central Catholic High School or St. Therese Church, of the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, April 11, 2022, 6 - 8 PM and on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, 2 - 4 & 6 - 8 PM at the SAVOLSKIS-WASIK-GLENN FUNERAL HOME INC., 3501 Main Street, Munhall, PA 15120. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Therese Church of the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Munhall. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh.

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