Thomas L. Nealings' Obituary
Thomas L. Nealings, age 77, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026.
Born on September 16, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio, Tom was the beloved son of the late Roy and Ruth Nealings. A lifelong Cleveland resident, he was known for his love of learning, his quiet intellect, and his deep appreciation for history and literature.
Tom devoted many years of his career to working as a Bridge Tender for the railroad, a position he carried out with dedication and pride. His strong work ethic and commitment to his responsibilities earned him the respect of those who worked alongside him.
Tom had a particular passion for the Civil War and could often be found reading books, articles, and historical accounts on the subject. He was a man of many interests who truly enjoyed expanding his knowledge and spending time with a good book. Music also held a special place in his heart, and he greatly enjoyed listening to Moody Blues and Neil Diamond. His curiosity about the world and enthusiasm for learning remained with him throughout his life.
He will be remembered by his children, James (Dawn) Nealings and Heather (Randall) Readinger; his grandchildren, Shawn Nealings, Drake Nealings, Taylor Nealings, and Kayla Readinger; his sister, Ginny (Mark) Johnson; and his nieces, Diane Fein and Kristen Young.
Tom's family and friends will remember him for his thoughtful nature, his love of history, and the joy he found in learning something new every day. He leaves behind many treasured memories and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sunset Chapel, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Cleveland Public Library, a fitting tribute to Tom's lifelong love of reading and learning.
Cleveland Public Library
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