Claude Earl Cunningham, Jr.

Claude Earl Cunningham, Jr. passed away on January 30, 2025 in Rocklin California at the age of 101. Born on October 29, 1923 in San Jose to Claud and Helen Cunningham; he spent much of his life in Willow Glen and Saratoga. He attended San Jose High School where he played tennis and saxophone, and met Doris Rumley. They later married, raised four children, and also hosted a foreign exchange student for a year.

Claude's early career included several draftsman positions in the Bay Area and San Diego. While employed at Convair Aircraft in San Diego during WWII, he experienced the city covered in camouflage, and recounted taking street cars under the camo cover. He also recalled nighttime blackout hours when lights were forbidden after dark.

He later earned a degree in Mathematics, along with Teaching and Counseling credentials from San Jose State University. He dedicated over 40 years to the Campbell Union High School District, serving as a Dean of Boys, counselor, and teacher of Driver's Education, Algebra, Geometry, and Drafting across five different high schools.

He loved to drive; often piling a bunch of kids in the station wagon and motoring 40 miles just to get ice cream. His travels also took him from San Jose to Dearborn, Michigan to purchase a specialty pan for Doris' business, and multiple times to Barrow, Alaska - just because he could. Annual summer family camping trips to Tahoe and a memorable three-month cross-country camping road trip in 1967 were among his cherished experiences.

A firm believer in community service, Claude spent numerous hours planning and volunteering at events with the San Jose Kiwanis group. Saturdays often found him enjoying a round of golf at the Gilroy Golf Club. In his later years, he enjoyed golfing with the Happy Old Geezer Golfers (HOGGS) in Cool, CA.

After Doris passed, Claude retired and moved to Truckee where he met and married his second wife Betty Ann - gaining a whole new blended family to embrace and love. Claude and Ann later moved to Cool, followed by Auburn and Rocklin.

Claude's family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Pines at Rocklin for making Dad's last five years some of his best.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice. And - take time to enjoy a root beer float (his favorite!) or some ice cream with your loved ones.

Service details are undetermined.