CHARLES C. CUNNINGHAM, Jr.

Charles C. Cunningham, Jr., known to his friends as Charlie and to his family as Charlie-Pop, went into the arms of Morpheus - one of his favorite expressions before retiring to bed - for the last time on October 13, 2024. Charlie was born on May 25, 1934 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was a graduate of Milton Academy, Harvard College, where he majored in Art History and was a member of the AD Club, and Harvard Business School.

Charlie left behind the love of his life, Georgia or Gigi, his wife of 69 years and sweetheart since they first met in North Haven, Maine. He delighted in telling the story of that memorable moment: "When I saw her across the room, I thought, 'She may not know this yet, but I am going to marry her!'" He adored - and was adored - by his children, Lisa and her husband, George, Caroline and her husband, Don, and Eleanor; his eight grandchildren, Charlie (Laura), Sofia (Eric), Natalie (Jameson), George (Ben), Mollie (Mark), Nicholas, William, and Madeleine; his eight great-grandchildren, Georgia, Penelope, Lili, Grace, Theo, Lila, Maeve, and Leo; and his siblings, Priscilla, Tom, and Jesse Cunningham, and their families.

Charlie loved to navigate the waters of Penobscot Bay with Georgia on their beautiful boat, Querencia, which translates to affection for the place one calls home, and his attachment to North Haven was deep and abiding. For decades, Charlie led the North Haven Foundation, which offers financial support to island residents pursuing post-secondary education. When Charlie was not at work soliciting funds for this important endeavor, or out for an afternoon sail, he could be found pursuing another one of his passions on the North Haven Golf Course, where he served as President and trustee for many years.

An avid art historian and collector, Charlie served as a longtime trustee of the Harvard Art Museums and the Museum of Fine Arts, and was an unwavering champion of many curators, conservationists, and staff members. Education was also central to Charlie's volunteer efforts. In collaboration with others, he led the transformative campaign to build the new Park School in Brookline, which moved to its current location in 1971. He also served as a trustee of Milton Academy, and on the Board of Governors at The Country Club in Brookline, which was another community he cherished.

Charlie's wide range of interests included skiing, history, and music, but his greatest love was for Georgia, his partner and confidant, and for his family and many friends, who were also devoted to him. Charlie was a quintessential gentleman of great warmth and kindness who will be remembered for his thoughtful intelligence, wonderful sense of humor, genuine interest in others, visionary leadership, and optimistic engagement with the world. We will carry his joyful spirit in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to The North Haven Foundation, P.O. Box 303, North Haven, Maine 04853. Services will be private.

View the online memorial for Charles C. CUNNINGHAM, Jr.