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Richard Cunningham Obituary
(Home News Tribune)
RICHARD F.
CUNNINGHAM JR
AGE: 32 MILLTOWN
Richard F. Cunningham Jr, 32, of Milltown, found his peace today Friday, September 4, 2009. Born in Livingston, raised in Irvington and Matawan, Rich went on to graduate from Rutgers University in 1999 with a degree in Labor Studies. In 1995 Rich formed Happy Days Records and gave the world a first glance at bands such as Hot Water Music and Ink & Dagger, as well as other great records by artists such as Endeavor, Human Remains, and Time's Up. Shortly after graduating, Rich moved his efforts, experience, and passion to begin a career in labor organizing. He formed New Labor, an alternative model of worker organization centered on organizing and building power for low-wage, young, immigrant workers in central New Jersey. New Labor has grown to over 1,500 members since its founding in 2000. His work as executive Director of New Labor led to another labor partnership and the founding of Laborers Local 55 in 2009, a new Local focused on emerging industries such as green construction and energy conservation. Most recently, Rich worked as a Business Manager with Laborers Local 55. Although his professional accomplishments were many, his greatest personal accomplishment was being an amazing father to his girls.
He is predeceased by his father, Richard Cunningham Sr. His spirit, passion and love lives on in his wife, Heather Knapp Cunningham, his twin daughters Lily Ava and Reese Sydney, his mother Karen Gebhardt Cunningham, his sister Melissa Cunningham as well as the countless other family, friends, and co-workers whose lives he touched.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm on Sunday, Sept. 6 and a service will be held at 10am on Monday Sept 7 at The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N. Main St-at Riva Avenue, Milltown NJ. You may sign the "obituary" e-mail condolence "Guestbook" at www.Crabiel.com. Memories and messages to the family can be posted at www.armyofrich.org. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to: www.armyofrich.org, www.thetjlfoundation.org or www.challahfoundation.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Cunningham
Wren Field
July 20, 2017
Dear Rich,
We went to MRHS and both graduated in 1994. I am writing (too late) to say that I was too serious and took things too personally back then. I had no sense of humor, I was unfriendly, snobby, mean, unsocial and strange, and I am sorry for my behavior toward you when you were just being fun. I actually thought you were a cool, funny, intelligent person, and I wish I had been your friend. I am trying to live differently today and make better choices. I am praying for your family. Rest in peace, brother.
Sincerely,
ABG
Carla Fuentes
September 16, 2009
Very sorry to hear about your loss
Marsha Sumal
September 12, 2009
Please accept our deepest condolences for your tremendous loss.I have never forgotten either of you and am so saddened by your loss.Vibrant, funny, well-grounded, ethical, just all of the best in one guy!How lucky we all were to have known him at all and fond memories will linger forever. We were away at the time or would surely have attended.He was both brave and brilliant, as are you Heather. God bless all of you.
Jennifer Costello
September 9, 2009
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. "When you lose someone you love, you gain an angel you know".
Lori Smith
September 8, 2009
Dear Karen & Melissa,
We send our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. It's so great to know what a wonderful young man Richie grew up to be, so many accomplishments I know you are proud. May the memories of your loving son and brother bring you comfort and heal your hearts. May God continue to Bless and keep you always. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Riva Touger-Decker
September 7, 2009
My sincerest sympathies to you, Heather, your children and your family. I hope you can get through the present and look to a brighter future with fond memores
Cathy Giangeruso
September 6, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Sincerely
Cathy Giangeruso
September 6, 2009
I hope you take comfort in seeing Rich in those darling girls of yours. I am so glad you have 2 little pieces of him.
I know you will bring them up knowing what a wonderful Daddy they had.
Sending our love your way, and also our deepest sympathy to the rest of Rich's family.
Mary & Joe Miller
Sarah Hymowitz
September 6, 2009
Dear Heather and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. Rich was a wonderful person whose compassion and commitment to justice touched so many people's lives. It was a great pleasure to know him as a colleague and to see his many professional accomplishments. His love for and devotion to his family was apparent - I remember talking about you and the girls the last time I saw him in person (last year). I will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. My deepest condolences, Sarah Hymowitz
Karen Durrie
September 5, 2009
Heather, I only got to meet Rich briefly in Boston last year, but it was clear he was a brilliant, sweet, funny person and that you had a very special bond. I have gotten to "know" him a little better through his Facebook since then, and I have to say I was so impressed by the kind of person he was. It is a rare thing for a young man to be so dedicated to making changes, thinking outside the box and doing good in this world. He did not waste his time on this earth, and I know he fought so hard to stay on it as long as possible. I am thinking of you and the girls as you move forward from this loss and may the love and support you all seemed to draw in so naturally continue to sustain you in the future. With our deepest condolences, Karen, Miles, Tory & Marlon Durrie
Joan Gleason
September 5, 2009
Dear Karen and Family,
My heartfelt sympathies upon the loss of your very special loved one, Rich. It is my belief, that those whom we have loved and who have loved us, never leave us they live on within that very special place in our hearts. They continue to love,protect and guide us. Life is a challenge, made easier when Love is a constant companion. Sending my love, support, prayers, healing thoughts and healing vibes to you and your family. The world is a better place for Rich having been in it.
Tracy Feldman
September 5, 2009
What a wonderful man Heather and her family have lost. He did such amazing things and lived life to the fullest. I will never forget his wonderful smile and all the laughs he provided us with on the Rick Springfield cruise last year and during the "birthday trip" he took to Boston last year...............with my deepest sympathies
September 5, 2009
Dear Karen and Family,
My deepest sympathies are with you and your family over the loss of a very special loved one. I am sure the thoughts and prayers of the many people whose lives he has touched are with you in your time of sorrow. May your memories of Rich be kept in your hearts forever and bring you lasting comfort..
With Sympathy,
Gail Austin Fairchild
(A friend of Joan Wierzbowski)
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