Archie Tunnell

ARCHIE E. "ARCH" TUNNELL age 84, beloved husband for 62 years to Marlyn (nee Gelo); loving father of David (deceased) (Laura), Danielle Thombs (husband Todd), and Gina Desmarais (deceased) (husband Todd); devoted grandfather of Hannah Contello (husband Giovanni), Brandon (fiancé Rachel Rudolph), Johnny Thombs (wife Amanda), Emma White (husband Corey), Lea Tunnell, Lydia Thombs, and Shaelyn Desmarais; and great-grandfather of Archie and Wilson Thombs; cherished son of the late Guy and Leona (nee Ramsey); dearest brother of the late William and Mary Hackworth; dear uncle and great-uncle of many.

Arch was born on May 1, 1940, in Gypsum, Ohio. Arch attended Port Clinton High Schol and excelled in athletics. His athletic career extended beyond high school to Bowling Green State University where he played on two MAC Championship teams and the 1959 UPI National Championship team. Arch has been inducted into the Port Clinton High School Hall of Fame and to the Bowling Green Hall of Fame as a member of the championship team. Arch's athletic background propelled him into teaching and coaching. He spent his 30-year tenure at Solon High School. After retiring from Solon, Arch continued to coach football at John Carroll University. While at BGSU, Arch met the love of his life, Marlyn. Arch and Marlyn served together as Eucharistic ministers, in the Renewal Ministries, and faithful parishioners at St. Clare Catholic Church. Arch and Marlyn spent the 62 years of their marriage together sharing the love of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ with others. Arch taught God's word to literally hundreds of families through the Families in Christ Jesus ministry. Arch had a special heart for discipleship with his fellow Christian men. He led the Men of Praise prayer group and was a spiritual mentor to many. Arch enjoyed serving in the Knights of Columbus Gilmour Council, 310. More than anything, Arch enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved and encouraged his children, David, Danielle and Gina. The family gathered weekly for Sunday Supper enjoying good food and much laughter. Arch leaves behind a legacy of faith, family and service. He was truly "a gentleman and a scholar and there are darn few left." Arch was carried home to Heaven on February 6, 2025. Surely, he was greeted with "Well done my faithful servant." Arch was a dear friend & neighbor and will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Arch to Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine or Cleveland Right to Life. 

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, February 14, 2025, at St. Clare Catholic Church 5659 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44124 at 10 AM. 

Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. 

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Arch at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) THURSDAY 2-4 PM and 5-8 PM.