Joseph Francis Cunningham

Joseph Francis Cunningham Jr., 77, passed away surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 6, 1948, and raised in Milton, Massachusetts, Joe was the son of Joseph and Dorothea Cunningham and the oldest brother to Bill, Jeanne, Jim, Steve and Dave. From an early age, he was known for his big personality, sharp mind, and a tenacious streak that often became one of his greatest strengths.

Joe graduated from Boston College in 1969, where he also played on the BC football team. His professional journey began as an accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, followed by many years in roles with increasing scope and responsibility. His ambition and intelligence eventually led him to build something of his own. He founded Liberty Mortgage Acceptance Corporation and grew it through work ethic, insight, and a genuine talent for business. His leadership resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in commercial and residential real estate funding. In recent years, he dedicated himself to bringing XCF Global to the Nasdaq stock exchange.

Joe was known as one of the hardest working people anyone had ever met. He never asked more of others than he demanded of himself. Yet his greatest passion was not his work, but his family. He coached the sports teams of his children and grandchildren, showed up for every milestone he could, and lived by one of his favorite mottos: Cunninghams stick together.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kathy, and their seven children: William, Mindy, Jeanne, Joseph, John, David, and Jeffrey. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren who adored him: Sean, Alexandra, Bella, Zac, Liam, Will, Scarlett, JoeJoe, Clarke, and Calvin. Each one knew how deeply he loved them.

Although Catholic by faith, Joe expressed his beliefs most clearly through loyalty, love, and service to his family. As a father he was steady and strong. As a grandfather he was joyful and devoted. His happiest moments were spent surrounded by those he loved.

Joe's life was full, meaningful, and lived on his terms. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, intelligence, hard work, and unwavering devotion. His family will carry his example forward for the rest of their lives.

In his honor, we share an Irish blessing that reflects what he valued most:

May the love of those who have gone before
Guide your steps and guard your home.
May the ties that bind your family
Hold strong in every storm.

A Mass of Christian Burial and reception will be held at St. Clare Catholic Church in Roseville on December 15 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to UC Davis Children's Hospital. Donations may be made online at https://give.ucdavis.edu/MCMN/ADONORI or by mail:

UCDavis Health Services
Development & Alumni Relations
PO Box 160186
Sacramento, CA 95816
Memo: Children's Hospital - Joseph Cunningham