Ronald Clark Cunningham

1932 - 2018

Ronald Clark Cunningham, of North East, Pa. and Englewood, Fla., passed away on October 25, 2018. He was born in Orangeville, Pa., in 1932.

Ron married Corry native Marilyn Gurney on August 23, 1952, after they met at the Findley Lake Roller Rink. Together they enjoyed a long, loving marriage, raised five children, had circles of cherished friends, operated several businesses and were deeply involved in community affairs.

Upon graduating from North East High School, Ron went into business with his father painting signs. This business evolved into Cunningham Collision Service. In 1974, Ron bought Pierce Motor Sales, which became Cunningham Chrysler Plymouth. In 1992, Ron, along with his business partner and son, Randy, opened a second Chrysler dealership in Edinboro. Ron was a lifelong member of Park United Methodist Church. He proudly served with Crescent Hose Fire Department, including many years on the rescue squad. He was a member of North East Lodge #399 F&AM, Zem Zem Shrine and the Royal Order of Jesters.

Ron was a people person with a keen sense of humor. He valued his relationships with his employees and customers, many of whom were or became his friends. He loved auctions, antique cars, dogs, music, the outdoors and his hometown of North East. He leaves a legacy of the importance of friends and family.

Ron's creative ventures included a fictional conglomerate he called Lake Cloudy Water Enterprises, a dues deficient social club he dubbed the Rubber Sucker Club, and the family hunting camp where he was Camp Captain Emeritus.

In his twilight years, Ron was blessed to receive care and love from many compassionate caregivers. It would consume the rest of this newspaper to name all who deserve recognition, so the family expresses their genuine appreciation for all of the private-duty nurses and helpers, to the nurses at Hamot Hospital, to all of the staff at St. Mary's at Asbury, and to all of the staff at Barnabas North and Ball Pavilion.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Evelyn Cunningham; his wife of 49 years, Marilyn; brothers, Neil and James Cunningham; and sister, Joyce Scheppner.

He is survived by his brother, John (Sandy) Cunningham; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Richard and Shirley Chase; and his five children, Dr. Michele (Ralph) Campbell, William (Jane Ann) Cunningham, Randy (Janeene) Cunningham, Marcia Cunningham and Megan Cunningham; twelve grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the W. Tad Bowers Funeral Home, 92 S. Lake Street, North East, on Sunday, October 28th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A Masonic funeral service will occur at 7 p.m. on Sunday. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 29th at 11 a.m. at Park United Methodist Church, 30 N. Lake Street, North East.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial gift may do so to the animal shelter of one's choice or to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505.

To send condolences, please visit www.bowersfuneralhome.com.

Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.