Timothy J. Gunther

Timothy J. Gunther, 55, of Dunkirk, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA. Born in Dunkirk on February 24, 1969, son of the late Clare (Bialaszewski) Gunther and Roger (Lyn Smith) Gunther. 

Tim was a member of the Dunkirk High School class of 1987. He continued his education and graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. While in college Tim was a bartender at the Vineyard Restaurant where he enjoyed getting to know people. For nearly 30 years, he worked as a teacher’s aide in the Dunkirk City School District, mostly in special education classrooms, where he was well-loved. 

Through the years, Tim could be found running on the backroads, driving his beloved blue VW bus or yelling “Go Bills” as he was an avid Buffalo Bills fan. Tim had a great love for running and was a member of the Runaway Runners Club. Throughout his life, he competed in countless running races including marathons.

Tim’s unique perspective on the world was one of his strongest attributes and made people love him. He always “marched to his own beat” and that is what made Tim the person he was. He had a thirst for knowledge and especially enjoyed learning about history and literature. 

Tim was predeceased by his mother Clare (Bialaszewski) Gunther for whom he selflessly took care of for many years when she was ill. Survivors include his father Roger (Lyn Smith)Gunther, four siblings, Holly (Greg) Hall, Roger “Bill” Gunther, Wendy Gunther, and Michael (Tammi) Gunther; and his nieces and nephews, Caitlin Hall, Kelly Hall (Holly), Owen Gunther (Roger), and Justin Gunther, Maddison Williams (Wendy).

Friends and family are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. Interment in St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery.