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John Cunnea Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Cunnea
Alene Jones
December 8, 2025
He was my Latin teacher at Morgan Park H. S.
Larry Schillings
March 13, 2012
Mr. Cunnea paid for my college education. I am Larry Schillings from Rhinelander WI where the Cunnea family vacationed every summer for many, many years.
I first met Mr. Cunnea in 1961 when as a 13 year old I shined his shoes regularly at the local Rhinelander barbershop. He was always so nice and always gave me a 25 cent tip for a 25 cent shoe shine.
I was the 2nd oldest of a Catholic family of 8 brothers and sisters. Mr. Cunnea stayed in touch with me every summer, following me at my other jos, an usher at the State Theatre, a bus boy,night chef at the Rhinelander Cafe and finally a salesman at Clancy's clothing.
In 1966, he asked me about college and I shared with him that I wanted to go so badly but there wasn not emough money available to go. He offered to help and surprised me with a 4 year college scholarship including all expenses. His only requirement was to send him my grades and to continue going to mass.
I will never forget his generosity, kindness and support that he provided me over the years. Rest in Peace Mr. Cunnea, thank you for all that you did for me, I love you. Larry Schillings, Morristown NJ.
Judy Colohan Blatherwick
April 11, 2004
Whoever said "better late than never" must have been thinking of me. I vividly remember sharing memories of the old Queen Mary with Jack...he traveled on her when she was a troopship during World War II and I made two crossings as a college student many years later. I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to be present at his wake or funeral. I was injured in a car accident late in February and will be in a halo neck brace until late in May, but I am now back at school as a teacher aide. I had a Mass said for Jack at my parish, St. Clement. I like to give a Sunday choir Mass and the date was "luck of the draw," but it turned out to be June 6, 2004...the 60th anniversary of D-Day, which is pretty appropriate for a WWII veteran! My love to everyone...
Judy Colohan Blatherwick
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David Estes
April 10, 2004
I will always remember Mr. Cunnea with fondness and great respect. He is the type of teacher that inspired me to become a teacher of 31 years myself. Although I was only in Latin for a week before transferring to French, Mr. Cunnea made an impact during all four years at Morgan Park High. Thank you, Mr. Cunnea. A good teacher stays with us for life.
David Estes
Class of 1965
MARK SCHUSLER
April 6, 2004
We will keep the Cunnea family in our prayers. Mr. Cunnea was more than a teacher, he was a mentor and friend. I owe so much to him for his kindness and friendship. His advice to me on teaching: "Treat your students with respect and kindness, especially when grading." I am still striving to be half the teacher he was. Valeo Mr. Cunnea.
Laura Agnew McInerney
March 25, 2004
To take a Latin class with Mr. Cunnea was truly an experience in itself. He was a fine gentleman who taught me the power of quiet. Recall how he could settle the class by looking over the tops of his glasses.
Oh, and don't forget.. Joe hamburgers eats.
Marvin Sparks
March 24, 2004
Mr. Cunnea was an inspiration to me throughout my 4 years in Latin Class. His spirit has molded my life without me even knowing it. God Bless The Cunnea Family for sharing such a beautiful teacher, leader, and father figure to us.
Ronald Wilson
March 23, 2004
My condolences to the Cunnea family, Mr. Cunnea will be greatly missed.
Chris Vlachos
March 16, 2004
Recently a group of senior citizens was asked if they could live life over again, what would they do differently? Most said that they would do something that would have a lasting impact. Mr. Cunnea lived such a life. I think I speak for many when I say that his life brought out the best in me, and his memory will continue to do so.
Nancy Gallaher
March 16, 2004
To the family of Mr. Cunnea:
It seems like only days ago that I was writing to Mr. Cunnea to express my sympathy on the passing of his sister. Well, now there are two fine teachers in heaven. As expressed in my first note, Mr. Cunnea, along with Mrs. Hale, were among the finest teachers I ever had. Four years of Latin gave me root words and excellent spelling skills, but more importantly, spending that time with a man that TRULY loved his students and his craft is immeasurable. God Bless.
Nancy (Rump) Gallaher Class of '72
PAULA KLENK EVERETT
March 16, 2004
YOUR FAMILY IS IN MY PRAYERS. MR.CUNNEA WAS MY FAVORITE TEACHER AT MPHS. I HAD HIM FOR 3 YEARS. HE MADE LATIN FUN. PAULA KLENK EVERETT, CLASS OF 1971
David Noren
March 15, 2004
I have warm memories of this real-life Mr. Chips, a kind and generous man, a caring teacher, and a real supporter of all things Empehi. The three years of Latin I took from him brought life to this "dead" language, and I still use what I learned from him today. What a wonderful man!
Carol Noren
March 15, 2004
In paradisum deducant angeli -- in tuo adventu suscipant te martyres; Et perducante in civitatem sanctam: Jerusalem! Chorus angelorum ie suscipiat, et cum Lazaro quondam paupere aeternam habeas. Requiem aeternam habeas.
(Translation: In Paradise, may you be received of angels--your coming attended by the blessed martyrs; and may they lead you into the holy city, Jerusalem! May angelic voices sing to you there, and with Lazarus, once a humble man, may you be comforted. Be at eternal rest.)
Maureen Taylor
March 15, 2004
To my Cunnea cousins,
How fortunate you were to have such very special people in your lives.
There must be quite a reunion in heaven with all the first cousins
together again at last. The heavens are filled with laughter.
My love to you all,
Moe Connelly Taylor
Nick Russell
March 15, 2004
I enjoyed your wonderful sense of humor and many stories. May you be in peace with the Lord Uncle Jack.
James T. (Jim) Russell
March 15, 2004
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of my favorite Uncle and fellow Republican.
Carolyn Buhmann Healy
March 14, 2004
Mr.Cunnea was indeed a favorite, always chuckling at our latest great ideas and asking "Ubi ignis est?" (where's the fire?) and schooling us in the antics of Publius and Furianus (sp?). He was the one who told us of JFK's death, with dignity and compassion. I am glad to know he had such a long life after we last saw him - in 1965. He was much loved.
Patty Ranken Hunter
March 14, 2004
What a wonderful teacher. I had Mr. Cunnea at MPHS for 2 years of Latin in the early 60's. He had a delightful way circumventing the sometimes dreary textbook, and making the language come to life!
George Aggen
March 14, 2004
My sympathy to the family of Mr. John Cunnea. Mr Cunnea was more than just a teacher.He was a very kind person who saw the good in everyone, he was a listening ear to those who needed one and above all he was a friend. I will always hold the memories of Latin class at Morgan Park , seeing Mr. Cunnea at baseball games and especilly the actities at Room 103 and a half dear to my heart.
If I had to describe Mr. Cunnea in one word it would have to be "Respected". I have never known a person more respected by others than Mr. Cunnea. He influenced the lives of many people and he will be missed.
George Aggen (Class of 74)
Joanne Holmstrom-Simons
March 13, 2004
My sympathy to the family of John Cunnea, a fine gentleman and wonderful teacher.
Jack Connelly
March 13, 2004
Good bye Jack. I will always remember your great sense of humor. I loved your stories about pumping my grandfather, James Doyle, for "hot tips" on race horses. Rest well!
Jack Connelly
Don Hatch
March 13, 2004
Mr. Cunnea was the favorite of many students at Morgan Park. He took an interest in all of the students, always. I was able to visit him in Oak Lawn 3 years ago for a couple of hours when he was his old self from back in the 1950's. Mr Cunnea had an impact on many lives.
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