Thomas E. Buening

Thomas E. Buening, affectionately known as Tom, passed away on March 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy marked by dedication, kindness, and an enduring love for family and community. Born on November 14, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Tom’s life was a testament to the virtues of selflessness and compassionate care for others.

A proud graduate of Elder High School’s class of 1954, Tom furthered his education at Xavier University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. His commitment to service extended beyond the academic realm, as he answered the call of duty with honor and bravery by serving in the United States Army during the Korean War. Among his many proudest accomplishments was his service to his country, a mark of his deep sense of responsibility and patriotism.

Tom devoted much of his professional life to his role as Vice President with Western & Southern Life Insurance Company, where he worked faithfully for three decades. Yet, it was in the quieter moments of life where Tom’s true character shone. Known for his selfless nature and ever-giving spirit, he was beloved not only for his professional achievements but also for the warmth and care he extended to everyone around him.

His passions were many and varied. Tom cherished his dogs, found joy in playing tennis, and delighted in collecting pottery and coins. Family memories abound with vivid scenes of his jubilant Easter egg hunts for the children and cherished vacations spent at Ocean Isle Beach — treasured traditions that highlight the playful and generous heart he possessed.

Tom was born to Gerard and Dorothy Buening, and was the brother to Wilma (Cyril) Peaker, Betty (Carl) Nortmann, Jack Buening, Gerard (Helen) Buening, and Fr. Robert Buening, all of whom preceded him in death. His extended family and community will fondly remember him and celebrate the manifold ways in which he enriched their lives.

He is survived by numerous cherished relatives, including his nephews and nieces: Jim (Pat Clark), Don (Karen), Jerry, Bobby, Tom (Alma), and Regina Peaker; Judy (Mel) Volle; Kathy (Dave) Railey; Marian (Ron) Wilcher; Greg (Joyce), Nan, Chuck (Mary Ann), John (Trish), and Ken (Diane) Nortmann; Beth (Tom) Nare; Barb (Dave) Goff; Geralyn (Kevin) Eichorn; Mary (Joe) Maierhoff; and Bobby Buening, among others. His expansive family tree further includes 144 great, and great-great nieces and nephews, each touched by his enduring legacy.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Vitt, Stermer & Anderson Funeral Home Delhi located at 4619 Delhi Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45238. This will be followed by a Mass at Our Lady of Victory Church, 810 Neeb Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The day’s services will conclude with interment at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Association, 3819 West 8th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45205. Memorials may be made to Buening Family-Elder Scholarship Fund, St. Vincent DePaul or charity of your choice.

As we bid farewell to Thomas E. Buening, we celebrate a life lived with grace, dedication, and a profound love for others. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and eternally cherished by all who had the privilege to know him.