WILLIAM JOSEPH CUNNINGHAM

1935 - 2022

CUNNINGHAM, William Joseph Of Naples, Florida and Wayland, Massachusetts, died peacefully in his home on February 10th at the age of 86, surrounded by family. Beloved husband of 64 years to Joan P. Watson; loving father of Lynn O'Connor and Janice Bartholomae of Wellesley, MA and Kara Hayden of Oakton, VA. He is also survived by his siblings Patricia Harrison of Naples, FL, Paul Cunningham of Plymouth, MA and Rosemary Spurway of Norwell, MA; as well as his cherished sons-in-law Brian O'Connor and Eric Bartholomae. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Brendan, Patrick, Rory and Carter O'Connor of Boston, Eric, Jr. and Sarah Bartholomae of New York, NY and Will, Conor and James Hayden of Oakton, VA. He was preceded in death by his son William Joseph Cunningham III and his brother John F. Cunningham. Bill was born in Boston, MA to Rose and William Cunningham, and grew up in West Roxbury. He attended Boston Latin School and graduated from Boston College in 1957.  After graduation, Bill completed Officer Candidate School and served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Upon completing his military service, Bill began a long and successful career in the computer industry. A natural born salesman, Bill enjoyed a successful 25-year career at Burroughs Corporation. Wanting to remain in his beloved Boston, Bill founded Dataware Products. He grew the company for 16 years until he sold it and retired in 1999. Bill had an active and fulfilling retirement enjoying golf, travel, family, and friends. Bill was a devoted and proud member of "The Great Class of 1957" from Boston College and was a regular fan at Alumni Stadium. He served as the President of Boston College Alumni Association and, in 2010, the school honored him with the prestigious William V. McKenney award for his service to the university and community. Bill was a longtime member of Woodland Golf Club in Auburndale, MA and The Strand in Naples, FL. He would never miss a tournament, and known as a fierce competitor, he was often "in the hunt" on the last day. The game of golf provided him great joy, and along with the thrill of competition, he treasured most the numerous friendships he made along the way. Bill was a larger-than-life personality and was affectionately known as "Big Bill." He exuded unlimited enthusiasm for whatever he was doing and infused those around him with the same. Always a great storyteller, he personified the definition of a people person. Bill will be deeply missed, especially by his family who will strive to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest every day. Visiting Hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. (Rt.16), WELLESLEY, on Friday, Feb. 18 from 4-8pm. His Funeral will take place from the funeral home on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 9am, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, Wellesley Hills, at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery, West Roxbury. Donations can be made in Bill's memory to The Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, 558 South Avenue, Weston, MA 02493 and online at psjs.edu For online guestbook, gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781 235 4100