Robert Thomas Cunningham, 44, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Plymouth, on Thursday, March 16, 2017. Rob is survived by his wife Jennifer (Lowder) Cunningham, his children Casey Marie and Robert Declan of Plymouth, his parents, Robert and Patricia Cunningham of Abington, Mass., siblings Kathleen Gajewski and Mike of Whitman, Mass., Jennifer Dongarra and Chris of Merrimack, N.H., John Cunningham and Kerry (Sweeney) of Bradford, Mass., brother-in-law Michael Lowder and Tonya of Hopewell, Va. Rob was also loved by many adoring nieces and nephews, John, Alexandra, Ty, Sabrina, Colt, Dylan and Race, many aunts, uncles, a bazillion cousins and countless friends. Rob grew up in Abington. He was a graduate of BC High and became a double eagle when he graduated from Boston College in 1994 with a degree in Political Science. We all thought that and a quarter would buy him a cup of coffee, but it turns out we were wrong. Robs love for politics was undeniable. Whether you were at the dinner table or at the state house with him, Rob always made his opinion known. Rob served on many town committees, finance committees, and local and state campaigns. In 2013, Rob was honored to become the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Republican Party, later going on to become the Director of the Department of Unemployment Assistance for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Robs service and dedication to others didnt end at 5. Rob was proud to be an eagle scout and volunteered much of his time to the Boy Scouts in both Abington and Plymouth. Rob loved life. He enjoyed going to Pats games, traveling with his family and making people laugh whenever he could. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to an account set up for Robs children, The Cunningham Family Fund at Abington Bank, 6 Harrison Ave., PO Box 68, Abington, MA 02351. Funeral from the Quealy & Son Funeral Home, 116 Adams Street, Abington Thursday, March 23, at 8 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Bridget Church, Abington 9 a.m. Visitation Wednesday, March 22 ,from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Interment will be private. For directions and online guest book www.quealyandson.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Enterprise on Mar. 18, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cunningham

Sponsored by Quealy & Son Funeral Home - Abington.

37 Entries

Timothy Shyne

March 12, 2020

I still cant believe youre not with us. See you anon my friend.

J. Hodge

April 12, 2017

Please accept my sincere condolences. May you please find comfort in the powerful words written in the bible for our comfort during these heartbreaking days, and moments. Matthew 5:4 reads.. "Happy are those who mourn since they will be comforted."

Erin Hannigan Camara

March 29, 2017

Jen,
I'm so sorry to hear about your brother.
He was always a gentleman even as a kid!
With peace, Erin

March 29, 2017

Jen,
I'm so sorry to hear about your brother.
He was always a gentleman even as kids.
Peace to your whole family,
Erin Hannigan Camara
-Abington, MA

Charles Gathungu

March 22, 2017

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

March 22, 2017

It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.

Jay Robinson

March 22, 2017

Rob was a smart guy and genuinely nice. I never saw him upset, always pleasant. He lived the Jesuit creed as a "Man for Others". Thoughts and prayers are with the Cunningham family.
Jay Robinson
B.C. High '91
BC '95

Dana Olson

March 22, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with Robbie, and the Cunningham family.

March 22, 2017

To the Cunningham Family,
In this dark moment, allow for the memories of Rob to wash over you and provide some comfort. You should also notice the consistency of comments and impact that Rob has had with each of us. Dedicated. Committed. Consitent. Caring. These qualities were on display at work and at home.
I have only known Rob a few years, but was glad we connected at work and am happy to call him a friend.

Tom Waye, Chief Administrative Officer, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Tracy Cavalieri

March 22, 2017

Sending our condolences, will always remember how much fun we had at the family reunions. Our thoughts and prayers to Rob's wife and beautiful family.

Scott Peterson

March 21, 2017

To the Cunningham Family

So sorry for your loss. I met Rob when he ran Tim Cruz's campaign years ago. Once you met Rob, you never forgot him. Politics was Rob's second language. His political instincts were the stuff of legend. As good as he was at his jobs, he was an even better dad.

David Burnes

March 21, 2017

I'm deeply sorry for your loss, Cunnigham Family. Thoughts and prayers to you all during this difficult time.

David Burnes
BC High '92
BC '96

Pam Nawrocki

March 21, 2017

My love and great sympathy to Jen, Casey, little Robbie, Pat, Bob, Kate, Jennie, John, Mike, Chris, Kerry, John, Alex, Ty, Bri, Colt etc. My heart breaks for all of you..
It will be impossible to forget someone who gave us so much to remember. Hoping your love and laughter can get you through the days ahead. xo
Pam Nawrocki

Jill Liberatore

March 21, 2017

I'll always remember Rob for his smile and optimism. No challenge was too great to overcome. He was a pleasure to work with and will truly be missed. Deepest sympathy and prayers to his family. May he Rest In Peace.

John Archy, Jr.

March 20, 2017

"The ocean tide recedes,
left behind are shells in the sand.
The setting sun goes down,
but warmth still lingers in the land.
The sound of music stops,
but still echoes of sweet refrains.
For all joy that passes,
something beautiful still remains."

It's difficult to forget someone who gave us so much to remember. My sympathy to the family.

-John Archy, Jr. (Abington & BC High)

Ketty Malary-Jean

March 20, 2017

He was a big shining light returning to the biggest light: the creator. Condolences to the family and friends.

rodolfo aguilar

March 20, 2017

My deepest condolences on your loss, my prayers for Robert and his family.

May God give you the strength in these times.

He came to lead DWD a couple of years ago and gave his work a personal touch. He went around talking to everyone on the floor.
He will be missed!!!

Ketty Malary-Jean

March 20, 2017

This is one grief that can not be explained. I know because I lost 2 family members last year.
I can never say that I feel your pain but I understand it and I know that God will show a way to everyone affected by the loss of his presence how to cope.
We are all visitors of earth our destination is always heaven, may the gates of heaven open very wide for him to get in and to live eternally.

Ketty Malary-Jean
DUA

Frank Weymouth

March 20, 2017

I wish to express my deepest condolences to the Cunningham family.

March 19, 2017

My thoughts and prayer are with the Cunningham family! Rob was a great man, exceptional leader! He will be forever missed at DUA, Rest In Peace Rob!! ❤Karen Yeretsian

Lisa Ann Douglass

March 19, 2017

Very sorry for your loss Cunningham family and friends of Rob.

Lillian Haygood

March 19, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with the Cunningham family. What a great guy, he will be forever missed at the DUA, job well done. Rest in Peace.

Vonda Powell

March 18, 2017

Dear Bob Cunningham, Sr. You were always a tower of strength and purveyor of wisdom over coffee in the DTA kitchen. From the depths of my heart, I am sorry for your family's loss and want to remind you of one of your messages to me God never gives us more than we can bear. Have faith Bob; For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

March 18, 2017

I was very sorry here about your loss. Please remember me to Robbie (Charlie)

Mrs callahan

Tim Shyne

March 18, 2017

Great guy!
Sorry for your loss.

Mehreen Hassan

March 18, 2017

My deepest most sincerest condolences... In the short time I know him, he was compassionate, charismatic and genuinely a good person. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Judy Wolf

March 18, 2017

I am so sorry to here about the sudden passing of Rob. My son was involved in Troop 41 of Abington with Rob. I remember him always being so happy and pleasant. Cherish the memories.

Kristen Santos

March 17, 2017

One of the smartest, most charismatic men I've ever met! It was a pleasure to work with Rob--my deepest sympathy and prayers to his wife, children, family and Comm. of MA/DUA co-workers!! He will truly be missed♥♥♥
Kristen Santos, USDOL, Boston

Sen. Lucile Hicks

March 17, 2017

I am so sorry I am out of state the day of the services and will not be there to share memories and bid farewell to a great colleague and friend. His loss will be profound.

Dianne Carpenter

March 17, 2017

Heaven's gain is our loss. I so enjoyed talking with and working with Rob - his enthusiasm and drive were enviable. My heartfelt sympathy go to his family, friends and coworkers, all of those that were touched by this special man.

Jane Swift

March 17, 2017

I am deeply sorry for your loss. He will be missed.

Male' Kamya

March 17, 2017

Rob was a strong self driven and full of life Director. He made sure he remembered every body's family story and enjoyed to talk about his daughter and son. Most recently his Disney trip.

He was a dedicated worker, and sought perfection in government. There is a hole here at Labor and Workforce Development.

Thank you Rob for the professional Guidance.May the almighty bless your soul.

Know that he will be missed by all of us -

Beth Goguen

March 17, 2017

It is impossible to adequately express my sincere sympathy at this most difficult time.

I worked with Rob at DUA. Therefore, I feel that we have lost a very strong leader and fellow co-worker.

My deepest sympathies to your family.

Nelson DUA

March 17, 2017

My heart and prayers go out to Mr. Cunningham's wife, daughter and son during this most difficult time. I, too, lost my father at a young age, and I can relate to the pain and sorrow his family must be going through right now. The last time I saw Mr. Cunningham was on Friday, 03/10/2017, at the "Call Center." He looked cheerful as he talked to staff members. I said "hello" as he briefly passed by me, he smiled and said "hello" back. Little did we know then that he would leave us so suddenly and sadly less than a week later. Life is so precious. Mr. Cunningham: May you rejoice in the Lord's love and eternal light. Rest in peace.

Georgia Patu

March 17, 2017

Cunningham Family:

My deepest sympathies during your time of loss, my thoughts/prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Georgia Patu
DUA

Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results