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Peter D. Cunneen

FUNERAL HOME

Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Homes - Chicago

6250 North Milwaukee Avenue

Chicago, Illinois

Peter Cunneen Obituary

Peter D. Cunneen, age 56. Executive Director of the Bridge Youth and Family Services in Palatine, IL, for 23 years. Beloved husband of Darlene; loving father of Sean Michael (Elizabeth); devoted grandfather of Evelyn Grace; cherished son of Grace and the late Michael A.; fond brother of Michael J. (Carol) and Susan (Nick) Steinbach; loving uncle and great-uncle of many. Funeral service Saturday, Feb. 9, at 11:30 a.m., at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 6250 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. Interment private. In honor of Peter's memory, please perform an act of kindness. Visitation Friday, 2 to 9 p.m. Info 773-774-0366 or www.colonialfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 7, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Cunneen

32 Entries

Linda Fay

May 19, 2008

Darlene and Sean,

I am so very sorry for your loss. I am even sadder that I learned of his death much too late. I remember Peter as one who shared my birthday, a good, kind man, great next-door neighbor, and a terrific host for the Air & Water show.

Samuel Rodriguez

February 28, 2008

The world needs more men like Peter. One indelible memory I have is at a Christopher House outing at a hot air balloon festival, sitting and picnicking on the hilly green lawn with Peter playing his folk guitar and singing - while hundreds of beautiful multi-colored balloons rose slowly and floated into the blue infinity of the sky, like the pappus of a thousand dandelions...
-This memory at a time when drugs, gangs, and guns were the prevalent alternative for boys like me... Lot's of fond memories (and respect for the man). I smile as I think of his huge frame performing "jump-shots" that Michael Jordan would be proud of!

My heartfelt condolences to his lovely wife Darlene and family.
God Bless.

Jennie Rodriguez-Echevarria

February 28, 2008

Darlene & Sean,

I am so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. It's been a long time since Christopher House...a place of many treasured memories. Peter touched my life at an early age and his compassion, humor, trust and care was instrumental in the way I approach life today.

My heart goes out to you both during this difficult time. God Bless.

Karin Hayden and Ray

February 23, 2008

Dear Darlene and Family;
Peter's beautiful singing voice and guitar have been silenced to all whose lives he touched. For some reason, The angel's choir needed another member. THEY ONLY TAKE THE BEST!

.......I know Peter touched more lives than will sign this book or contact you, just as he did ours. Our son Mark, his sailing crew member, brought me on board last summer, where I first met this awesome personality. Thank you both for our 2 short, memorable evenings of music, stories and hospitality with our two granddaughters.

......Sailing is such an exhilarating, powerful experience, just like Peter.

Ken & Donna Soens

February 13, 2008

Darlene,
We are saddened to hear of Pete's passing. Though we have not been in touch for many years Donna and I remember him as being a "gentle giant" Our sincere condolences to you and your family.

Amy Armbruster

February 12, 2008

Darlene and Sean
There are no words to say how sad i am about Peter. Its so hard being so far away from family, and only getting to see everyone once a year. I will never forget the kindness that you both showed to me and my kids, along with my sisters whenever we were in town. The last time we visited and got to go swimming and eat dinner at your place was the best, and im so glad we have that memory. Peter was the best, and i know now that he and my mom are watching over us. I want you both to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and im sorry we couldnt be there to honor Peter. We love you all.
amy,brendon,ethan,autumn

Steve Bonasera

February 9, 2008

I had the privilege of working at The Bridge for four years and was always impressed by the genuine compassion that Peter showed toward others. I know he will be greatly missed at The Bridge and by all who knew him.

Christine Kusiak-Taylor

February 8, 2008

Dear Darlene and Sean,
Our deepest sympathy and condolences. Peter was a very special person. He dedicated his life for others. His legacy will go on. Our prayers are with you.
Helen Kusiak; Rick & Christine Taylor

Randi Gurian

February 8, 2008

Peter was one of the first people I met when I became ED of The Harbour. He modeled values, commitment, and caring, extending a helping hand and a friendly ear. His contribution to youth extended well beyond his own agency, his thoughtful approach and advocacy benefited youth across the region.

While our relationship was professional, Peter's wit and warmth made every encounter a pleasure! His death is a loss at so many levels. My thoughts and prayers are with you, his memory will be a blessing for those who follow.

Joe Serio

February 8, 2008

Peter was an inspiration to myself and countless other employees of The Bridge. He was a fantasitic leader, visionary, mentor and friend. He will be sorely missed, but the impact he made will be felt for years and years to come.

Ron Melka

February 8, 2008

I was privileged to know Peter through our work together at the Youth Network Council and the Illinois Collaboration on Youth. Peter was a remarkable individual. When hearing him speak, you could immediately tell that he always held the value of each person, especially our young people, in the highest esteem. In our discussions of what was right for the treatment of youth in both our child welfare and juvenile justice systems, Peter always took the high road. He consistently spoke of fairness, of justice, of the strengths, and the empowerment of the children that are often at the mercy of our governmental systems. You felt assured that a position was the right one if Peter Cunneen agreed and supported it. Illinois has lost a strong spokesman for the rights of its young people. Peter’s voice will be missed.

Sophia McGrew

February 8, 2008

My condolences to the Cunneen and Bridge Youth and Family Services family. I've known Peter for a short time as a volunteer for the Bridge gala. Peter was such an awesome guy who made everyone felt welcomed. He will be sorely missed by everyone and will be missed not only at this year's at the gala but at many future ones as well.

Ray Schneider

February 8, 2008

Uncle Peter,
You were always a great Mentor to me. I will never forget all of the great memories that we have shared through out my life. Thank you for being such a wonderful Godfather/Uncle to me. I could not have wished for a better one. We will miss you, and remember you always.
Love, Ray, Jen, Jacob, and Matthew

Sharon Turrentine

February 8, 2008

Dear God,
There is a really wonderful man coming up to you, and there's a lot of tears down here, so please take good care of him.
Thanks, Jason(age 8)

Jerry Lipsch

February 7, 2008

I have known Peter since he became executive director of the Bridge. He was an amazing agency and community leader, and a role model for human services executives. He built bridges (pun intended) and reached out to everyone who might help him advance the cause of the needy and less fortunate. He treated his staff the way all employees everywhere should be treated, and he approached his role as head of the Bridge with tremendous energy and creativity. His insight, dedication, energy, and wonderful sense of humor will be gravely missed in the northwest suburbs and in the youth services community statewide.

Liz Noe

February 7, 2008

Thank you Peter for the inspiration and kindness you gave to so many. You will always be in our hearts.

Mike Rohling

February 7, 2008

Peter's willingness to stand up for the youth of our communities is something I admired and will miss. We have lost a very good man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during their time of grief.

Dave McClure

February 7, 2008

I worked with Peter for most of those 23 years as a peer within the state association of youth agency leaders. He was an articulate advocate for what kids and families needed. His voice will be hard to replace. His presence among us is a great loss.

Tim Liu

February 7, 2008

Peter was a great guy with compassion and a wonder sense of humor; life of the party. We will particularly miss going sailing with him.

Arvid Hammers

February 7, 2008

Peter was one of the most kind and gentle individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was a leader in the field of serving troubled youth and their families. he will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family.

Denis Murstein

February 7, 2008

I have known Peter for the better part of the past 25 years as a friend, colleague, neighbor and a staunch advocate for Illinois' young people. He was, at times, obstinate, opinionated and thoroughly exhausting in his questioning, as he thoughtfully searched for the right answers. But, invariably, he was right there -- a pillar of support. Peter, I will miss you, as will all of us at the Youth Network Council and the Illinois Collaboration on Youth.

Jeanne Wojciechowski

February 7, 2008

Darlene, Sean and Family,
Peter will be missed. The Bridge may have had him for 23 years, but he had already left his mark at Christopher House.
Take care,
Jeanne, Mike & Jason Wojciechowski

BETTY PICCIONI

February 7, 2008

DEAREST DARLENE, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AT THIS TIME. PETER WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL GUY WITH A BEAUTIFUL SMILE AND A BIG HEART. I WILL KEEP YOU BOTH IN MY PRAYERS.
LOVE, AUNTY BETTY

Ken Nykiel

February 7, 2008

The community has lost a wonderful and dedicated person. He leaves good works that wll live on for many years to come.

The Staff of Colonial Wojciechowski Funeral Home

February 7, 2008

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

our excellent partner

February 6, 2008

Carl M La Mell

February 6, 2008

Peter was a great guy and his passion towards people was incredilble. The community will miss him very much.

A colleague in the community

Kymn Harp

February 6, 2008

Peter, you will be missed. Not only by your family and friends, but by all whose lives you touched and, even more, though they won't know it, by those whose lives you would have touched but for your passing. Be in peace.

Rita Wiley

February 6, 2008

Peter had a vision which gave hope to individuals and the whole community. He leaves a wonderful legacy.

Shelly & Norm Zable

February 6, 2008

A life well lived, a man well loved. We shall treasure his memory. Love, Shelly and Norm

Wendy Copeland

February 6, 2008

Peter's kind smile and caring heart will be deeply missed in the community of Palatine. I know his love and mission will continue in the actions of all of us who were fortunate enough to know him.

Ron Dohl

February 6, 2008

My heartfelt sympathy to the Cunneen family and to everyone who had the privilege of working with him at the Bridge.

I first met Peter about a year ago, and I will always remember his comforting voice and friendly smile....I wish I had the chance of working with him more...

Peter my friend you will be missed by so many , and never forgotten ....as I have learned from my short time with the Bridge, how you had such a positive affect on so many.......
Ron Dohl

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