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William Cunis Obituary

William L. Cunis, 71, of Ashland, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, at MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham, of unexpected complications from multiple myeloma. A lifelong resident of Ashland, he attended Ashland schools and was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He went on to Boston College, where he excelled in baseball. The Boston Red Sox sent him to play in the Basin League in South Dakota. He was a member of the B.C. teams of 1960-1961 that played in the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. Bill then signed with the Red Sox and went on to spring training. He was assigned to a minor league team, but opted to come home to be with his wife and new baby. He then began his 38-year career teaching in the Ashland Public School system, teaching social studies, and later, high school math. While at Ashland, he coached cross-country and led several teams to state championships. He was a serious distance runner himself, competing in numerous marathons, ultra-marathons, and the Mt. Washington road race. His best Boston Marathon time was 2:45. After his knees gave out from years of distance running, he took up bicycling. He was often seen riding throughout the MetroWest area on his daily long distance bike rides. From 1964 to 1986, he was the assistant baseball coach at Boston College under Eddie Pelligrini. Bill also coached basketball at Marian High School from 1966 to 1970, leading the team to a co-championship in the Catholic Central League in 1969. After Bill retired from teaching in 2001, he began a second career as a Hopkinton school bus driver for the Connolly Bus Company. He greatly enjoyed the time he spent with the young children on his bus route and with his co-workers, who were so kind to him during the final months of his illness. Bill was a man of great faith in God and he truly lived his faith in all aspects of his life. He was a daily communicant, and one of his greatest joys was visiting with and bringing communion to the sick and the elderly. Bill was devoted to his family. He was the son of Eleanor E. (Jean) Cunis and Anthony J. Cunis, who died in 2002. Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife of 49 years and childhood sweetheart, Mary Ann (Guarino) Cunis; his two sons, Michael A. Cunis and his wife, Myrle, of Ashland, and David W. Cunis and his wife, Michelle, of Holliston; his three beloved grandchildren, Nicole, Daniel and Matthew Cunis; his three brothers, Peter A. Cunis of Hopkinton, Brian W. Cunis and his wife, Ellen, of Amherst, N.H., and Dr. David J. Cunis and his wife, Eileen, of Campton, N.H. He was also the brother of Kathleen M. Cunis, who died in 1962. He leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 9 a.m., at St. Cecilias Church, 54 Esty St., Ashland. Calling hours are Monday, Dec. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St., Ashland. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bills memory may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, c/o St. Cecilias Church, 54 Esty St., Ashland, MA 01721.

Published by MetroWest Daily News on Dec. 18, 2011.
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To the Cunis family:

It has been nearly fifty years since Billy and I competed on the baseball and football fields (and played together for the Milford Legion baseball team), but I recall his amiable personality as vividly as I recall his phenomenal athletic skills. And those athletic skills were extraordinary indeed. For many of us back then, he was what we aspired to be, a "Golden Boy" type in the manner of young Frank Gifford, Mickey Mantle, Paul Hornung and Bobby Orr - like them, he was the personification of speed and power. Locally, his name was linked with the athletic best that Massachusetts and Rhode Island of the late '50s and '60s produced - Crump, LaPorte, Vandersea, Lumenti, Saint John. While it's so sad that he didn't have the chance to establish his athletic genius on a larger stage, the tributes expressed in this guest book remind us all of what is truly important in a person's life: the human dynamic, how one functions in the interpersonal world. It is no surprise to me that Billy was so respected and well-liked by those he affected in his teaching, coaching and community life. Even after this long stretch of time, one of the lights in my memory vault dimmed when I learned of Billy's passing.

Ed Gleason
Durham, New Hampshire

January 5, 2012

Dear Cunis Family,
I wish to send my deepest sympathy. You are all in my prayers,and those of our communities. I have said the Divine Mercy Chaplet for Bill, and have remembered him in my intentions during Adoration of Blessed Sacrament. I did not personally know Bill. I am an acquaintance of Dave and Michelle from St Mary's and the Marian Community.

Yours in Christ,
Joe Fargano

December 24, 2011

So sorry I did not hear of Bill's passing sooner. I would have attended his wake or funeral. I pray his family is comforted knowing he is with God, and my mom, Bev. Thanks for the teachings of Math and of God's word. We were all blessed to have known him.

Cindi Paulino Arroyo

December 22, 2011

RIP Coach! Thanks for all you did for the students and the entire community. Your gifts and talents were appreciated by many. Condolences to your family.

John Reed

December 22, 2011

I'm a friend of Dave and Michelle in CO and have never met Bill. He sounds like an amazing man of God who has rightly earned a jeweled throne in the Kingdom. I would've loved to have met him but he left a legacy for his children that most father's dream of. Dave and his family have been truly blessed and I know they will miss him dearly. May he enjoy his reward in heaven! May the Divine Infant Jesus bring peace and consolation to all the Cunis family this blessed Christmas!

M. H. Miller

December 21, 2011

Dan O'Rourke

December 21, 2011

Dear Jean
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I am in NY visiting my daughter and her family so was unable to attend the services.Please know I am with you in spirit. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
With love
Gail Swanecamp Barss

Gail Barss

December 21, 2011

The Cunis Family
So sad to hear of Bill's passing. Use to see him getting coffee and we always had a little chat. Great man, great loss. May he rest in peace. Sandy Palmieri Moran

Sandy Palmieri-Moran

December 21, 2011

Mike, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad passing. He was a dedicated coach, alway there when you needed him. I also enjoyed being a student of his. My warmest wishes and sympathy to you and to your family. He will be missed, Don Schofield.

December 21, 2011

Mae, our deepest sympathy sorry we could not be there for his funeral but our prayers are with you and your family. Ashland will be miss a favorite son. God bless, Dick and Claudia Puntini

December 20, 2011

So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Cunis. He was one of my favorite teachers at AHS. He was a great coach and mentor to the students. He was very kind to me and I enjoyed hearing stories from him about my dad. He will be missed.

Adele Cerutti Williams

December 20, 2011

Mr. Cunis is one of my most memorable teachers. Thank you for a good job and God speed.
Cindy Morse-Horwitz, Keaau HI

December 20, 2011

Mae,
My deepest sympathy.The connections to both of you while growing up was so nice. Bill was so great to my late brother through his teaching and coaching track at Ashland.The Marian and Ashland connections brought constant contact. While my own teaching career was in Mansfield, my own coaching was in the Tri Valley. His wit, wisdom, and sincerity was always fun to be around as we crossed paths. For so many years, as I woulld drive to visit my mom, I would occasionally see Bill on his big runs, just like when I was growing up. It always brought a chuckle to me, and a sense of the best of times. Again, my deepest sorrow. It was inspiring to see so many last night at the wake. God Bless. Eddie Buckley, Summer St and Hilldale Rd in Ashland, Marian High, '69

Ed Buckley

December 20, 2011

Sorry to hear about your passing. I will always remember you as a great teacher and coach who was respected by many. Barbara Stadig Burns

December 20, 2011

MaryAnn and family, we have been friends for only a few years at the senior center and have shared a couple of senior trips and I had the honor of meeting your Bill and I instantly new that he was one of the good people that we all wanted to be around. His energy and attitude rubbed off on us old girls I am so sorry for you and your family
Marcia Wiles, Ashland Lions Club

Marcia

December 19, 2011

Mary Ann, and Jean, and all of Bill's Family,

The Lord be with you all in your sorrow.

I received the sad news of Bill's death, while down here in Honduras.

I'll be offering Mass tomorrow for Bill, and for you who are sorrowful for his unexpected death.

Bill was a gift from God to Ashland and the Church, to his family and many friends.

John Wallace

John Wallace

December 19, 2011

Dear Cunis Family,
I am very sad to hear of Bill's passing. You are a wonderful family and always have been. I was Katie's classmate at Marian and have fond memories of all of you. My deepest sympathy and love.

Anita Altobelli Wilkinson

December 19, 2011

Bill embodied all that is good and kind in America. His legacy lives on in the students he mentored and the family that he loved.

Carlton Stone

December 19, 2011

Coach.....you will be missed, but heaven will be will be brightened by your presence. Let katie know we are thinking of her and the rest of your family as well at this time.
God bless
Ed Moran -
Ashland native now in Connecticut

Edward Moran

December 19, 2011

Mary Ann...So sorry to hear of Billy's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of sorrow. Classmate...Carolee (Horne) Macdonald

December 19, 2011

Mary Ann and family, such a great loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jeri Johnson

Jeri Johnson

December 19, 2011

Dear Mae,

So sorry to hear of Billy's passing. He was good friend. We shared many good times thru coaching, umpiring and just plain old good laughs.

Paul Peso-Uxbridge

December 19, 2011

To the Cunis family; I am sorry to hear the news of Coach's passing. He had a very big impact on my life and I am very grateful for that. He not only got me to be believe in myself as a runner, he got me believe in myself as a person. It was great seeing him with Jeff D'Almeida last month. His spirit was inspirational. He was a great man. Knowing coach, he probably has the angels running right now.

Joseph Hennessey

December 19, 2011

Mary Ann: My deepest sympathy to your and your family. Classmate of 58 forever.

John Parsons

December 19, 2011

Dearest beloved family and friends of Bill, I had the blessing to live in Jean's lovely little extra suite and many days and nights of nor'easterns didn't stop Bill and Pete to be angels of the snow. They made it look so easy in taking care of shoveling, driving on the ice and taking care of the house. Bill was so awesome! And Mae was so generous to share him with so many. May the Holy Spirit guide and comfort you all. Thank you dear Bill - and may you shine in glory!

Elene Doucette

December 19, 2011

Dear Mae
So sorry to hear of Billys passing. He was a great neighbor and a great person inside and out. He will be greatly missed by all he touched.
My sympathy to all of Bills lovely family.

Hazel Doucette

December 19, 2011

To the Cunis family, so sorry for your loss, a great man. Got reacquainted when I started reffing Ashland Basketball tournaments. Kevin Grupposo Marian High class of 1969

December 19, 2011

maryanne,I am so sorry for you loss..billy was such a great person and I enjoyed coaching him so many years ago....may your wonderful memories sustain you and your family..
gus fornaciari..south dennis, ma.

December 19, 2011

Dear May and family, I heard of Bill's death only today and remember both of you fondly from our days at AHS in the class of '58. May your memories and loved ones console you in this difficult time.
Joanne (Clarke) Elliott

December 19, 2011

Mr. Cunis: Thank you for making an 8th grader come to love social studies....you were one of the best! May you rest in peace!

December 19, 2011

I am very sadden to hear about Mr Cunis. I had him in math well over ten years ago as well as ccd. I wasn't the easiest child to have in class but he never gave up on me and I truely thank him for that. He leaves an incredible legecy behind him and he will be missed. I'm sorry my own children won't be given the opportunity to learn and grow from him as well. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I know the impact he had on me I can't imagine the legacy he leaves with you. Rest in peace in peace Mr. Cunis you'll be missed.

Lisa

December 19, 2011

To the Cunis family,
I am so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. Billy brought me communion several times on my many stays in the hospital. We would talk about Ashland and sports. Billy was a wonderful person. My thoughts are with your family.

Kevin Driscoll

December 19, 2011

dear Cunis Family,
So sorry for the loss. Mr. Cunis will be in our prayers. Now he is where he belongs looking over everyone. He is not suffering anymore. GOD BLESS. RIP Mr. Cunis you will be missed.

Jenn (owen)Brown

December 19, 2011

I remember him as a soft spoken-low key personality\always was there to assist me in a way that work easily and calmly nevered rushed or fast,even steady and teachable,i as a person will miss you always,god bless you and the cunis family

Mark Dassoni

December 18, 2011

I always remember Mr. cunis as a soft spoken-low keyed personality,and will help you out in anyway possible,you know you had him as a friend now matter what others thought of him,he got me started in high school sports helping by doing basketball game as assisting on old 1970;s metal boxed tin scoreboard,every game i did from early 1970;s til present i feel his helping hand on my back,will be missed my friend in heart-soul-and mind,William L. Cunis,god speed,and bless you always

Mark Dassoni

December 18, 2011

As many of you, Mr. Cunis was my Math teacher. A great man who no matter what always came to school with a great sense of humor. Whether talking Red Sox or math, he truly loved what he was teaching us. Although I have been out of school for over 10 years, this news was very sad to hear. Blessings to his family

December 18, 2011

December 18, 2011

Mr. Cunis was a true gentleman who built a rich, rewarding life on sharing his numerous gifts with others. His kindness, love of teaching and learning, and firm faith that we could reach (and attain) our dreams have remained enduring inspirations. For helping me, once a mediocre student, aim for High Honors and for turning my former indifference toward academics into a life devoted exclusively to education, I am forever grateful. A talented teacher and athlete, may he always be remembered for going the extra mile when we needed him most.

Chris T.

December 18, 2011

I taught math with Bill and co-advised with him. He will be greatly missed by so many. He touched so many of us in so many ways. He always had a way to make the math department laugh and smile. My thoughts are with all of you.

Sharon Freedman

December 18, 2011

To the Cunis family,
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of such a wonderful man. Both of us have such fond memories of Mr. Cunis, since it was his math class in which we met. We will miss Mr.Cunis bicycling past our house and screaming out "Eddddieeeeeeee" as he went by. But have no doubt, he will always be in our hearts. Our prayers go out to your family. We love you Bill!

Ed and Michelle Morrell

December 18, 2011

Dear May,
We are just devastated to hear of Billy's death, even knowing how very sick he was...still such a shock! Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family during these sad days.
With sympathy and love,
Wrighty and Pete

Linda Caradonna

December 18, 2011

My thought and prayers go out to the Cunis Family. Mr. Cunis was a great man and a privelage to have known.

Jennifer Tracy

December 18, 2011

Bill Cunis was a dear colleague of mine at Ashland High School. My thoughts and prayers are with his loving family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Pax vobiscum, Bill.

Carroll (Mullahy) Hanson

Carroll Hanson

December 18, 2011

My parents were friends of the Cunis family and Mrs. Cunis is the inspiration for my career. Her faith was evident and unshakable and she was a true role model as a teacher at Marian High School. Mrs. Cunis, I'm sorry for your loss; you are in our thoughts and prayers. Debbie Centamore

December 18, 2011

I was so sad about the passing of Mr. Cunis. I had the pleasure of knowing him as a math teacher, a cross-country coach, and a class adviser during my time at AHS. I have never forgotten the kindness and the levity that Mr. Cunis provided in class and around the school. I became a high school teacher and credit Mr. Cunis with a great deal of the inspiration that spurred me to explore this career. He always made his students feel valued, capable and inspired to do better. I always admired him for his integrity, his kind sense of humor, and his dedication to his profession and the community. He was a treasure to the town of Ashland, and a role-model for all who knew him.

Steve Bresnick

December 18, 2011

Mrs. Cunis and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Cunis had a profound affect on my life. I never liked or understood math, but Mr. Cunis was one of the best teachers I ever had. I was telling my middle school students about my 8th grade math teacher about a month ago. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Laura (Tina) Rossi Earnest

December 18, 2011

Our deepest sympathies to the entire Cunis Family. May your happy memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.

Eric and Stacey Raffi

December 18, 2011

Mr. Cunis was one of the greatest teachers I had. He always loved to talk about the Red Sox, or whatever was going on and never ceased to help any student do the best they could in classes or sports. He was a great guy. I wish the family the best. William Cunis and the family are in my prayers.

Jason Camp

December 18, 2011

To Mrs. Cunis & Family:
I am very sad to hear of Bill's passing. We officiated football together for many years. I knew Bill as a person of the highest integrity. As a fellow teacher, I will remember Bill for his dedication to his student/athletes. He certainly made a difference in their lives.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,
Kevin Salvi, Framingham, MA

December 18, 2011

"Growing up with Bill in the neighborhood was always a challenge enjoyed and also frustrating. He was so talented and pushed himself beyond what even he thought he could accomplish. As a former teacher and principal I am delighted at the choices he made in his life, I am sure those he taught and coached became better players at sports and at life in general. Watch out heaven those wings weren't given to you for nothing as you now will learn. - Joe Wilson, (New Hampshire)

December 18, 2011

Dear Mae & Cunis Family,
Our community has lost a great man who gave of himself to so many, yet remained a humble and gentle soul.
I will miss our little talks about sports after mass and will always admire his great attitude in dealing with his illness. His unabashed love for his faith in God was an inspiration to us all.
God Bless you all.
Paul & Judi Rossi

December 18, 2011

Billy made me laugh. He made me think about the other side of issues. He made me look deep inside my own life and my own actions. He made my life richer and fuller for having known him. He made me a better person. He was like a big brother to me and I will always treasure the memories that we had together and the joy he brought to my sons Chris, Michael, and Sean. They thought he was just the greatest! My sincere condolences to Mae and the Cunis family. We all loved Billy and will miss him so much.

Bob Sannicandro

December 18, 2011

To Mrs. Cunis and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Cunis was undoubtedly my favorite HS teacher as well as a kind and caring man. He will be missed but know he made such a positive difference in the lives of people he knew.
You are all in my prayers.
With Love, Pamela (David) Szal and family

Pamela Szal

December 18, 2011

To have known Bill was a privilege. To call him a friend was an honor. He was one of the nicest people anyone could meet. Bill will surely be missed by all. Our sympathies and prayers to May and the family.

Lawrence and Yvonne Giargiari

December 18, 2011

To Mary Ann and family,
We drove with Bill in Hopkinton and so enjoyed working with him.
As you well know Bill was a loving , sweet and caring person and we will never forget him.
Now he is with God.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul and Marsha Fosberg

December 18, 2011

Truly a sad day to lose this man so early. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Cunis family. Michael and Lisa Massauro

December 18, 2011

dear family'
i was sad to read of dad's passing. missed him going by on the bike,remember him in junior high. cafe detail. really had alot of spunk. rest in peace bill

December 18, 2011

So sad to read this. One of my most memorabe teachers ever, 7th grade history. Thinking of you all

Darlene Enman-Herweck

December 18, 2011

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