Wayne A. Gonnerman
Wayne A. Gonnerman
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Wayne was born in Fair Grove, Missouri, to Dr. Wayne and Nora Gonnerman. It was there, alongside his parents and siblings, that he adopted the "can-do" attitude and remarkable work ethic that would guide him throughout his life.
Wayne earned his degrees from University of Missouri, including a Ph.D. in Zoology. Over six decades, Wayne contributed to the field of biochemistry through his research, and inspired countless students at Mizzou, UNC, Boston University, and local community colleges. His work as a professor at Boston University School of Medicine brought him to the area, and his dedication to the field continued to engage him in research and supporting emerging scientific talent at BU for nearly 50 years.
Additionally, as a professor of Anatomy & Physiology at Mass Bay College and other community colleges for nearly three decades, he was revered not only for his deep understanding of the human body but for his genuine care for his students' success. His classroom was a space of encouragement and challenge, and many of his students went on to successful careers in healthcare, always remembering the impact he had on their journeys.
Skilled in woodworking, home remodeling and auto repair, he was never happier than up on a ladder. He was a devoted dog lover, known to spend many mornings walking at the Auburndale Cove both with his beloved terrier Misty then with his dog park friends. He also loved watching sports, helping neighbors in need, and could be counted on for a ride to the airport at any time of day or night.
Wayne will be deeply missed by his wife, Catherine Clement; children: Michael (Mary Beth), Laura (Marc Vinh), and Kathryn (Darell Tibbles); grandchildren: Robyn (Matt) Donahue, Christopher Gonnerman, Sean and Adam Vinh; and great-grandson Benjamin Donahue, as well as his sister Kay (Dr. Stan) Sides of Cape Girardeau, MO and multiple nieces and nephews. Wayne was predeceased by his brother, Donald Gonnerman, and son Christopher Emory Gonnerman.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 1PM in the Burke & Blackington Funeral Home, 1479 Washington St. West Newton followed by interment in Newton Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held immediately prior to the service from 11AM-1PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to Boston University School of Medicine, Mass Bay Community College Nursing Program, or the City of Newton - Auburndale Cove.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Richard A Coleman
January 12, 2025
Richard A Coleman
January 12, 2025
Wayne and I met as postdocs at UNC-CH in the mid-1970s. We became good friends, which was easy with Wayne and his family. He got me interested in woodworking, and we took a most enjoyable woodworking course together at one of the local schools. He built a house from scratch there while at Chapel Hill. At the end of his stay in Chapel Hill, I helped him load the truck he had rented for the move to the Boston area. We worked late into the night loading the truck, and it seemed that most of the weight of the load was huge planks of black walnut. To a fanatic cabinet-maker like Wayne, this was more valuable than gold. After the move, I asked him how the trip up had gone. He told me that when he had the fully-loaded truck weighed, it was too heavy, so he had to rent a larger truck and move everything between trucks himself! Later, after I had moved to Baltimore and was planning to get married, I asked him to be my best man. He agreed, and did a sterling job. His toast to the new married couple was a beautiful piece, in which he wished for us a relationship in which, as we grow old together, we could look back and say that it was done welI. With his blessing in mind, 44 years later we can continue to say that it was done well.
Alice Tamaccio
October 26, 2024
Wayne was always calm and friendly. At MassBay I knew him over 15 years for his dedication to teaching and depth of knowledge. He was aware of everything going on and appreciated anyone who approached him. I was not aware that he also taught at Roxbury Community College or I would have tried to find him.
Alice
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