Faith, family and friends were central to his life
Published May 20, 2021
OXFORD, MICHIGAN — David E. Gunning, 59, of Oxford, Michigan and formerly of North Reading, Mass., passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 13, 2021 after a period of declining health.
He finished his Christian race strong believing God was always in control of his life. He was the husband of Christine (Smith) Gunning of Oxford, Michigan, and the son of Lillian F. Gunning and the late Mark L. Gunning of North Reading.
Dave was born on August 16, 1961 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was a 1979 graduate of North Reading High School where he was a hockey goalie. With a passion for hockey, Dave continued to play on club hockey teams throughout his life and was a lifelong Boston Bruins fan.
He was a graduate of the Butera School of Art, Boston. A creative person, he excelled in art, woodworking, fixing old cars and any “hands-on” projects. As a small business owner, he created handmade crosses for ministers and shared the gospel with those in need. Dave and his laughter were larger than life at family parties, and his faith, family and friends were central to his life.
In addition to his wife and mother, he will be missed by his four children, Breanna, Nathaniel, Gabriella and Lucas; his five sisters, Sharon Chosse, Laurel Wagstaff, Marcia Burke, Brenda Landers and Jill Gunning; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and friends.
Arrangements are in the care of the Lynch and Sons Funeral Home, Oxford, Michigan. There are no calling hours. A Celebration of Life was held at the Woodside Bible Church-Lake Orion Campus in Lake Orion, Michigan on May 1. A private memorial service for the family will take place in Massachusetts on May 21, 2021.
