Robert F. Cunningham

About

Fairfield University University of Hartford

FUNERAL HOME

Biega Funeral Home - Middletown

3 Silver Street

Middletown, Connecticut

Robert Cunningham Obituary

CUNNINGHAM, Robert F. Robert Francis Cunningham, 59, of Durham and Branford, beloved husband of Elaine (Bitel) Cunningham, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday (August 9, 2007), with his family by his side. He was born in New Haven on January 4, 1948, the son of the late Francis J. and Margaret C. (Cleary) Cunningham. Bob attended local parochial schools in the New Haven area and was a 1969 graduate of Fairfield University. He later earned his Masters of Public Administrations degree from the University of Hartford in 1983. Bob taught sixth grade at the J.P. Vincent Elementary School in Bloomfield before embarking on a career in juvenile justice. He worked briefly as an aftercare counselor for DCYS in the New Haven area before the Middletown office as a juvenile probation officer and supervisor through 1989. Later, he continued with the state Judicial Branch in a variety of administrative and managerial positions including Deputy Director of Juvenile Detention Services in the Family Division and the Division of Juvenile Detention Services. After a major reorganization of the Judicial Branch in 1998, he served as manager of human resources for the new Court Support Services Division until retirement in 2003. Bob had many good friends in his various workplaces at the Judicial Branch. He was an avid golfer and a member of Lyman Orchards Golf Club in Middlefield for over twenty years with many good friends there also. Besides his wife, he is loving father to Spencer J. Cunningham of Durham and Kristen J. Murphy of Florida; brother to Brian J. Cunningham and his long time companion, Kathryn Wachter of Orange; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins in a large extended family made up of the Cleary, McMahon, and Cunningham clans. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 13, at St. Colman's Church, Hubbard St., Middlefield. Burial will be in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Wallingford. Friends may call at the Biega Funeral Home Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to the First Tee of Connecticut, 35 Cold Spring Rd., Ste. 212 Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or to a charity of the donor's choice.

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

Published by Hartford Courant on Aug. 10, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cunningham

8 Entries

Diana Preice

August 12, 2007

Dear Elaine,
My sympathy and prayers to you and your family. Bob and I worked together for many years, and I had the benefit of enjoying his quirky sense of humor (which matched mine) on many a cold, dark Friday afternoon. Bob had the ability to put things in perspective,add that to his wit and compassion, and you have a friend who will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.

Linda Rhodes

August 12, 2007

To the Cunningham Family,

I was saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Please accept my condolences and deepest sympathy for your loss.

We are greatful for Bob's life and love and wish comfort for all those who mourn.

Sincerely,

Richard Byam

August 10, 2007

Elaine,
I cannot fully express to you how terribly sad I am for your loss. Bob was a uniquely gifted man. His sense of humor, insight, clarity of thinking that is so rare, and openness with me during so many meaningful conversations will all be enduring memories for me. This world is a better place because of his time here and is diminished by his passing. In the last email he wrote to me, he said, “I certainly have faith that the universes (and all else that has been created) are much bigger than I, that I have had a place in it all, and that all will be well according to a plan.” I have faith that such is true. With deepest sympathy, Rich Byam

Liz Brown

August 10, 2007

To the Family:
May your memeories bring you comfort in the days and years to come. He will alway be with you.
With my deepest sympathies

Grace Cyr

August 10, 2007

I just wanted to let you know that I worked with Bob and he was a great person. When he retired I told him that I would miss talking to him on the phone. I'm so very sorry for your loss he was a very friendly man and he will be missed.

Shari DeLuca

August 10, 2007

To the Cunningham family:

I am so sorry for your loss. Bob (aka Bobster or Mr. C as I refered to him) was a wonderful person with a great sense of humor. I was one of the lucky individuals who had a chance to not only work with him but know him as a person. I am thankful that I was able to see him not to long ago. Even in his weak condition, he did not hesitate and gave me a great big hug. I'll remember that hug always.

Peace be with your family during this difficult time.

Kate Scordino

August 10, 2007

Dear Elaine, Spencer, Kristen and Family:

I am so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. May the love that you shared with Bob remain forever in your hearts bringing you lasting peace and comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult and sad time.

Cousin Joe Biega

August 10, 2007

Dear Elaine and family: Please accept my sympathy on Bob's death. I was unaware of his illness, which he told me about at Terry's reception after her funeral. Terry and Bob would meet at Hickey's deli as they were buying lunch for years. I wasn't aware that he also was a F.U. grad. Not many of us are blessed with the years our parents enjoyed. Love and sympathy to you and the children.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results