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Richard Cunningham Obituary
Richard S. Cunningham, 80, of Neshannock Township, passed away the night of October 13, 2018 surrounded by his family at UPMC Jameson Hospital.
Born June 19, 1938 in New Castle, he was the son of Raymond D. and H. Claribel (Sankey) Cunningham.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Leilani M. “Lonnie” (Eckles) Cunningham whom he married September 6, 1958.
He attended New Castle Area Schools and was a 1956 graduate of Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, PA. He received his business degree in 1958 from Youngstown State University, followed by the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where he graduated in 1959.
Dick was the former president of the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. for 45 years. He loved the funeral profession that he was born into and was a fifth generation funeral director. He set a personal challenge in his early years that he wanted to meet 10 new people each day of his profession and that continued into retirement.
Dick was active in many organizations over the years in the community. He was past president of the New Castle Jaycees and chairman of the horse show. During that time he was named the Jaycees Man of the Year in 1971. He was past president of the New Castle Lions Club and chairman of the Eye Enucleation Transport for 10 years. He served as a board member at Dollar Saving Bank; was secretary of the board with Oak Park Cemetery; and served on the boards of both Jameson Memorial Hospital and Jameson Care Center.
He was a member of First Baptist Church in New Castle and of Raintree Chapel in North Fort Myers, Florida where he was the head of the Board of Directors for 5 years.
In addition to golf, Dick enjoyed camping with his children and watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting events. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling to Florida with his wife. Most of all, he loved people, serving others and putting smiles on people’s faces.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Susan L. (Jim) Welker, Nancy M. Cunningham, and Cathy L. (Tom) Barker, all of New Castle; two sons, Richard Scott (Leslie) Cunningham and Roger D. (Tammy) Cunningham of New Castle; one brother, R. David (Linda) Cunningham of New Castle; two granddaughters, Jenna (Jordan) Flaim and Amanda (D.J.) Bolinger of New Castle, five grandsons, Erik J. Welker, Alex D. Welker, Daniel R. Welker, Jared R. Staph and Jacob A. Staph all of New Castle; and one great-grandson, Easton L. Flaim.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Judy Casalandra.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 16, from 1:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00 at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle and on Wednesday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 984 W. Maitland Lane, New Castle.
A funeral service will take place on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the church with the Rev. John Yergan and Pastor Jim Chapin officiating.
Burial will be in Oak Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.cunninghamfh.com
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Cunningham
Lyn Landefeld
November 2, 2018
In loving memory of Mr. Cunningham
Lyn Landefeld
November 2, 2018
Mrs. Cunningham, Sue, Nancy, Cathy, Scott and Roger,
Where does one begin in remembering a life well lived. All of my fondest memories are the ones we shared growing up at Conneaut, not only with the neighborhood kids, but their parents as well. And your Dad was no exception. He had a warm smile and a gentle spirit. He always made me feel comfortable and welcome. I always looked forward to seeing your family each weekend and will never, ever forget the wonderful moments we had together with your dad. He will live on gently in our hearts.
Sending love and hugs to your entire family. Thank you for sharing an amazing video of your life together!
Sheryl Welsh
October 26, 2018
Lonnie, Roger & family,
Deepest sympathy on Dicks passing. It is never easy to lose a loved one. I know what you are going through having lost my husband this past February. All of you are in my prayers.
I will remember how Dick & your entire family were always nice to me at First Baptist.
Linda and Don Patterson
October 23, 2018
Lonnie and family Don and I are sorry for your loss of Dick. We have many fond memories of times Don and I did removals for the funeral home. Also the times you called and wanted dates for snow plowing as no one wrote them down. Sorry we didnt make it down as other obligations here. Our prayers are sent to you. Don and Linda Patterson
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Sam and Lori Robinson
October 22, 2018
Lonnie and the Cunningham family,
We were so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He was a wonderful man and was always so kind to us. He was always so supportive of our softball team and was a great fan!
We are so sorry we couldn't attend the services as we were away. But please know that all of you are in our prayers. Asking the Lord to give you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Love,
Sam and Lori
Michael Mulderig
October 17, 2018
Lonnie, Roger and the entire Cunningham family:
I want to express my deepest sympathy to you on the passing of a great man. I had known Richard's father Ray, Richard, Dave and Roiger from my time working at Castle View Memorial Gardens from 1971 until 1987. Also used your establishment when some of my family passed away. A top notch family all the way around!!
Your entire family is, and will continue to be in my prayers at this most difficult time.
Kim Rowe
October 17, 2018
Lonnie, Roger, and family -I am sorry for your loss - God bless you all at this difficult time.
David Defibaugh
October 16, 2018
Deepest Sympathy, I first met Dick at my father's funeral at Chestnut St Funeral Home in 1976. From then on when I saw Dick, which was many times at social events or golf he would always ask, "How is your Mother doing?" Through this time I got to real know what a good man Dick was. He always had a smile and a handshake. We lost one of the last of a dying breed. As Dick would say in a round about way, "Take care of your Mom" Really Sorry.
Todd Waid
October 16, 2018
Lonnie and family, my deepest sympathy to you all. I have great memories of Dick from seeing you and him at Conneaut Lake years ago and from attending NSM (SIFH) meetings. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Bernardi
October 16, 2018
Deepest sympathy to the Cunningham family.
James Stoner
October 16, 2018
Dick & I grew up going to the same schools, same church. We used to play in his Dad's business on Washington St many years ago. I see that we both changed our church to Baptist. Dick was a good friend growing up & he will be missed by many. Dick handled both my parents arrangements with the greatest of compassion. All my love & prayers to the family Jim Stoner
Peggy Robinson/Maier
October 16, 2018
Dear Lonnie, Dave, & Family: You have our sympathy and prayers during this difficult time. I always enjoyed talking to Dick whenever we saw each other and he was a fun loving person. We always kidded each other at "family funerals", which were many. May God comfort you now and in the days ahead. Peggy & Willi Maier
Nathan & Nancy Orrico
October 16, 2018
Our deepest sympathy to you Lonnie and your family! We have such wonderful memories of us snowmobiling in the Tiomesta mountains with you guys. Dick always had a smile on his face and ready to have a good time. You were blessed to have such a great husband! Praying for your comfort.
Michael McGee
October 16, 2018
To Lonnie & The family-
Our deepest sympathy at this difficult time to all of you- What a wonderful legacy Dick has left-
So many memories of such a great guy-
Our best to all-
Mike & Laurie McGee
Tracey Prnwell
October 15, 2018
Prayers and my sympathy to your family. Let his memories bring comfort at this difficult time. God bless Tracey Penwell
Sue Moore
October 15, 2018
Dear Lonnie, Roger and Family, My sympathy to you at Dick's passing. I played the organ for services several years ago. His friendly smile, good humor and great personality will be remembered. May you find peace and comfort in Him. Sue
October 15, 2018
With deepest sympathy to the Cunningham family,
Joe & Gina Alberico
Walt & Sharon Gable
October 15, 2018
Dear Lonnie and family, Our hearts are breaking along with your's. Dick was such a loving person, and that was to everyone. He always had a smile for everyone. We know that, even though you are in pain, you can rest in knowing that Dick is walking in glory and is no longer ill. How wonderful that he get to see the face of Jesus. God bless you all.
Jodi (Gwin) Hassen
October 15, 2018
Roger, Lonnie & family,
My deepest sympathies to you all on the passing of Dick recently. I have many fond memories of him from my days in elementary school with Roger and our families knowing each other. I understand how you are all feeling having lost my dad just 6 months ago. Prayers for your entire family during this difficult time.
David & Marie Sullivan
October 15, 2018
Dear Lonnie & family
We were so sorry to hear about Dick's passing. How lucky we were to get to know you both in Florida. Dick was a joyous & helpful friend to everyone and will be missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
October 15, 2018
Roger and Family,
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor (but a poor electrician). I'm sure he'll be sadly missed. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Scotty and Denise
Carl Cseko
October 15, 2018
Trudy and I have always considered Dick a very good friend during our days at Raintree. I am sure that he will be greatly missed.
Beryl MdClay
October 15, 2018
I am so sorry to read about Dick's passing. he was a great friend and will missed by so many. Prayers for all of you. I am away so I can't give you a hug i person, but my prayers and thoughts are with you.
TR & Sharon Liles
October 15, 2018
Lonnie & family, we send you & yours our sincere Condolences. May all the prayers heading your way from your Raintree "family" give you the peace & comfort to help you thru this difficult time. Our loving thoughts are w you.
Tiffany Young
October 15, 2018
Nancy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I wish you peace and comfort.
Amy and Scott Fehrs
October 15, 2018
Lonnie and Cunningham family,
Im so glad I saw you at a playoff Neshannock baseball game the this pass May. From a very young age, my Dad always told us about the friendship between Dick and my Uncle Danny Baxter. It was important to my Dad that we knew about this bond between the Baxters and the Cunninghams that goes back to the days he lived on Whippo St. Scott and I will not be able to attend the services, but will hold you all up in prayer for peace during these difficult days. May Dick rest in the arms of Jesus! Amy (Baxter) Fehrs
Robert Rapp
October 14, 2018
Best Funeral Director in New Castle
Robert Rapp
October 14, 2018
nicest funeral director in New Castle
Amelia Hartfelder Johnson
October 14, 2018
Your father has also left an awesome legacy. So many in my family have passed through the Cunningham Funeral Home. Our family members that passed away were always treated with dignity and those of us in mourning were treated with understanding, compassion and love. May you feel God's comfort and healing now and in the future as you miss your father's presence.
Dennis Hepler
October 14, 2018
Roger,
So sorry to hear about your dad.
We do know he is in a much better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Denny and Sue
Lynda and Richard Simcoe
October 14, 2018
Love (((Hugs))) and Prayers to All who Love Richard ~~ Dear Lonnie, Susan, Nancy, Cathy, Richard, Leslie, Roger, Dave, Linda, Michael, Julie and All the young Cunningham's. May you find peace knowing Richard was loved and will be missed by Many. We care and understand your grief.
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