David Cunningham Obituary

ASHAWAY - David John Cunningham of Ashaway, RI, born October 1, 1934, at Chicago Lying-In Hospital in Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 16, 2025, at South County Hospital in Rhode Island, having lived 33,101 days.

David was the youngest child of William and Eleanor (Haltenhoff) Cunningham. He was raised in Elmhurst, Illinois and graduated from high school in Tucson, Arizona. He served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1957 before earning a B.A. in History from the University of Miami.

He began his professional career in financial analysis at General Dynamics and later served as office manager for the financial planning firm led by his wife of 67 years, Geraldine Butera Cunningham, who survives him. Their long and loving marriage was marked by deep partnership, respect, and joy.

Dave was a man of wide-ranging interests and deep curiosity. He traveled the world with friends and family, sang with joy and talent performing for years in a barbershop quartet and in many regional musical productions and read with an insatiable appetite, earning the affectionate nickname 'Book-A-Day Dave.'

He chaired the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee in the 1970s and served a term as the Hopkinton Treasurer, was a member of the Chariho Lions Club in the 1980s and rode the roller coaster of being a passionate New England sports fan for decades. He also never met a puzzle he didn't want to solve, from crosswords to complex problems, always applying his quiet intelligence and steady patience.

A man of friendship and community, David was part of a cherished group of friends who grew grapes, pressed them into wine, and bottled the results at the Over-the-Hill Vineyard in Hope Valley, Rhode Island. That shared joy reflected the spirit in which he lived his life thoughtfully, playfully, and with deep appreciation for good company and meaningful moments.

Mr. C. was also the consummate family man, never losing sight of the fact that his happiest days were spent in the company of his wife, Geraldine, their four children and their spouses: Marc Cunningham (Mary), Candace Cunningham, Jo Robinson (Pete), and Matthew Cunningham(Linda).

He was a loving grandfather to Alexander Cunningham, Oliver Cunningham (Emily), Julia Cunningham, John Cunningham, Erica Cunningham, William Robinson, Hailey Robinson, and Daniel Robinson. He also had the thrill of greeting his great-granddaughter Phoebe last year.

It was with great sadness that Dave was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Karen and grandson, Alexander. David was also preceded in death by his siblings, Haroldine Freireich and Robert Cunningham.

His lead physician, Dr. Paul Mathew of Tufts Medicine in Boston, proudly noted that David was his longest-surviving patient with prostate cancer that had metastasized to the bones. David's entire family is deeply thankful to the many friends, loved ones, and caregivers who reached out with support during the past several years as his health declined. He fought multiple types of cancer with quiet determination and grace for more than two decades, and his family is profoundly grateful for the extra time they had with him.

The skill and dedication of David's medical teams in Boston and locally, the attentive care he received at home from Pinky, Gus, and the rest of the Collins Road Crew, and the exceptional compassion shown by the nurses, physicians, and specialists at the South County Hospital Intensive Care Unit brought dignity, comfort, and even some laughs to his final months, weeks, and days.

A wake will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home in Westerly, Rhode Island from 4-7 PM. The funeral Mass will take place at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 24, at Our Lady of Victory Church in Ashaway, Rhode Island, with burial to follow at Riverbend Cemetery in Westerly.

Please consider any offering in David's memory to the Alexander W. Cunningham Fitness Center Fund at: St. Edmund's Retreat, PO Box 399, 1 Enders Island, Mystic, CT 06355-0399.

David John Cunningham will be remembered for his intellect, hugs, humor, humility, and quiet strength. He leaves behind a legacy of love, curiosity, and joy truly a life well lived.

For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com