Thomas H. "Tom" Gunderman

Thomas H. “Tom” Gunderman, 83, of Homosassa, FL, died on Wed., March 10, 2021 at Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville, FL. A native of Sparta, NJ, he was born Feb. 16, 1938 to Edward and Lizzie (Konkoy) Gunderman, one of six children. Upon graduation from high school in New Jersey at barely 17 years old, Tom lacked discipline, but found it at Greenbrier Military School in West Virginia. Gunderman spent a year at the school, becoming not only the Outstanding Athlete of the Year in football, but a man. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I got there, but they straightened me out at Greenbrier. I learned a lot there. Not only how to study, and discipline, but I learned the things necessary to carry me through life; things I relied upon the rest of my life. They made a man out of me and I’d recommend military school for any boy that could use a little direction.” With a number of college scholarship offers, Gunderman picked Maryland, a school he hoped to attend since awakening one night in the family car, staring dreamily at the College Park Campus as he rode by. As a sophomore in 1957, he rose from a sixth-team spot at summer practice to the starting lineup. His first game was on national television against Texas A&M and their All-American running back John David Crowe. Franklin, New Jersey was well mentioned that day, as Gunderman was named the outstanding defensive player for his efforts as middle linebacker. In addition to playing in front of the Queen of England in a game against North Carolina, Gunderman led the team in tackles and won the Coaches Award as Outstanding Offensive Lineman. Staring 30 games over three seasons, Gunderman earned Honorable Mention status on both the United Press International and Associated Press All-American team as a senior. He was an All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection and won the Anthony C. Nardo Memorial Trophy for the Best Offensive Lineman of the Year. Three years ago, Gunderman returned to a Maryland Football game, where he was honored as a co-captain and took part in the coin toss at the 50 yard line. Introduced to the sellout crowd as his history as a Terp was recounted, his picture emblazoned on the giant scoreboard, Gunderman felt “very humbled, with more than a few tears in my eyes.” While playing football for the Maryland Terps, Tom earned a Bachelor in Science degree in Marketing. He was then drafted by the Washington Redskins, and played for them as well as enjoying a stint with the Baltimore Colts. Upon Tom’s arrival to the Colts, it was Johnny Unitas who came up to him and said “Welcome to the Baltimore Colts!” Mr. Gunderman enjoyed a 20 year career with Shell Oil Company, as a member of their management team. Tom, along with his beloved wife of 55 years, Veronica J. Gunderman, moved to Homosassa for the second and final time in 2018 from St. Augustine, FL, where they had lived for 15 years. Tom was a parishioner of St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church, Homosassa, Florida and a was a Third Degree Knight with their Knights of Columbus Council. An avid lover of the game of golf, Tom carried an 11 handicap. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters; Doris Runion and Joyce Worth. In addition to his loving wife Veronica, he is survived by brothers Robert and Edward Gunderman of New Jersey and sister Betty Wielechowski of New York. Friends will be received on Mon., March 15, 2021 from 8:30 to 9:30 A.M. at Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, FL. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church, Homosassa, FL with Fr. Glenn Diaz, Celebrant. Entombment will follow at Fountains Memorial Park, Homosassa. www.wilderfuneral.com