Thomas Joseph Junga

Thomas Joseph Junga

Celebrating the Life of Thomas Joseph Junga, loving son, brother, father, and grandfather.

Thomas Joseph Junga-known simply as "Tom" or "Tommy" to those who loved him. A lifelong resident of Toledo, Tom was shaped by his roots in North Toledo, where he lived, worked, raised his son, and spent his final years close to the community that meant so much to him.

Tom is survived by his son, Christopher Junga; daughter-in-law, Sarah Townes; grandchildren, Sophia and Jonathan Junga; and step-grandchildren, Jackson, Elizabeth, and Walker Townes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elsie Junga; and his brother, Joe Jr., with whom he shared a close bond.

Tom was a humble man who lived a life full of quiet devotion-to his family, to his work, and to the everyday things that brought him comfort. He wasn't one for flash or pretense. What you saw was what you got-and what you got was a steady, kind, and deeply caring man.

He was proud of his blue-collar, Catholic upbringing. Tom was an altar boy at St. Vincent de Paul Church, where his sense of faith and responsibility began early and stayed with him throughout his life. As a boy, he played stickball in the alley with friends, imagining he was part of the 1961 New York Yankees and later a baseball center fielder, like his idol, Mickey Mantle. He graduated from Central Catholic High School and remained loyal to his community and faith.

Tom was proud of his Hungarian and Polish heritage. He passed down family traditions to those he loved-like the summer ritual of sutni szalonna with home grown vegetables, or holiday tables filled with Stanley's pierogi and kielbasa.

He worked nearly 40 years in the grocery and food distribution industry, most notably at Centre Market and Cub Foods, where he was a respected manager and mentor to many. He quietly influenced generations of local teens-many of them Chris's high school friends-giving them their first jobs, treating them fairly, rolling up his sleeves to work alongside, and making work feel like a place they belonged. Many still say their best memories were made during those shifts with Tom.

Tom had a lifelong love for the game of golf. He played often, watched religiously, and passed along his knowledge and appreciation for the sport to his son and step-grandchildren. Some of his favorite memories were walking out to Detwiler to play a few holes at twilight with his son, Chris, finishing the last hole in almost complete darkness.

As a father, Tom gave Chris an amazing childhood; he was always there, teaching Chris valuable life lessons of hard work, humility and grit. Vacations to Arizona, Tom's favorite place, were some of the best summers. Tom embraced being a grandfather, just like his father before him. He was always proud of his family, touting their accomplishments.

Tom had a small, but close circle of good friends and the love of his life, together they enjoyed a good concert, a Mexican restaurant, or just a night grilling out.

Later in life, Tom developed a quiet fondness for a good pour of Weller's bourbon and an even deeper love for his loyal dog, Millie, who rarely left his side. But if you asked Tom what really brought him joy, it was music. His playlists were legendary-stretching from Neil Diamond (his favorite) all the way to Maroon 5, and everything in between. Music was how he connected, how he relaxed, and how he stayed current with his grandkids. He never missed a beat.

Tom didn't want much out of life-just time with his family, a good movie from the library, and a quiet evening at home. His kindness, dependability, and deep love for the people around him will be missed more than words can express.

Here's to Tom Junga-a man who never sought the spotlight, but whose quiet love and unwavering presence made a lasting difference in the lives of everyone who knew him.

A funeral service in Tom's honor will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at David R. Jasin-Hoening Funeral Home, 5300 N. Summit St., Toledo, OH. Calling hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by services beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Toledo.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting

hoeningfuneralhome.com