EVAN P. CUNNINGHAM

CUNNINGHAM, EVAN P. Evan P. Cunningham (Ev, to some; Pop to his family), owner of one of the oldest auto body shops in Connecticut, passed away on July 16, 2005. Evan was born on Thanksgiving Day, November, 28, 1918 in the house in which he still lives in, at 74 North Water Street. He is a Graduate of Greenwich High School, class of 1936. In his senior year at Greenwich High, he was awarded the letter G for golf. In June of 1929, Evan's father purchased a summer home in Hill and Dale Country Club, Carmel, NY (as Evan's mother needed to be in the country due to severe Asthma). Evan, even as a child loved golf. He won the Hill and Dale Country Club Children's Championship in 1930 and the Club Championship in 1938. In 1939, he won the Mahopac, NY, Open Championship for 2nd Flight. His love of the game has awarded him many golfing titles over the years. The Apawamis Invitational Tournament 1939 Winner, Fifth Flight. A member Guest winner in 1969, also at Apawamis. As a member of Tamarack Country Club since 1969, Evan has also added to his love of the game by winning the Club Championship runner up Member Guest Tournament in 1976; in 1987, taking the prize of 6th Flight Runner up; In 1996, a Flight winner in the Club Championship and in 1998 being the Runner Up of the Member Guest, and 1997 also being a Flight winner. Over the years, he also has had the privilege of playing many of the loveliest courses in Westchester and Fairfield counties, taking home many awards. Evan served in the Navy Coast Guard from 19421945, where he was a Motor Machinist Mate 2nd Class. He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal. In December 1947, Evan joined the Harry Howard Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 of the Port Chester Fire Dept. and rose through the ranks, achieving the position of Captain in 1964. Then president. He was a member of the Westchester Fire Square Club. He was also the cochairman for the Centennial of the Port Chester Fire Department in 1958. He became a Member of the Order of DeMolay, earning his degree in December of 1935. Evan was also a member of Vailiant Lodge No. 1113 and a Past Master in 1969. He was also a life member of the Southern Fairfield County Auto Body Shop Association. During the years, Evan bowled for Port Chester Marnaro #2 from 1955 to 1975 at the Rye Ridge Bowling Alleys. He was also a member of the fraternal order of Elks and was a member until 1950. He continues to attend weekly meetings of the 40/40 Club where he has been a member for many years. Another love of Evan's was boating and fishing during the 1950's. He and his family enjoyed weekends at Great Captain's Island. Evan's fishing buddies are sure to remember the fishing trips (in the black of night), only when the tide was "right", trolling around Calf's Island, Great Captain's and the "shelf" off of Rye. And, oh, those trips to Montauk. Two fires, one in 1928 and the other in 1939 left Grover C. Cunningham Auto Body (established in 1914 by his father) burned to the ground. Evan helped rebuild what is now a Four Generation Family Business. Evan's son Bruce and his grandson, Gary, now run one of the oldest Auto Body businesses in Fairfield County. Over the years, this family owned business has been the subject of many newspaper articles in The Greenwich Times and the New York Daily News. Evan was married to Jane Mead Cunningham (deceased) and has two children, Bruce Cunningham and his wife Lynn and Judith Flood. Loving grandfather of Bruce Cunningham and his wife Mary Beth, Gary Cunningham and his wife Debbie and Melissa Valenti and her husband Aaron and Great-grandfather of Kevin, Kaitlyn, Kristian Cunningham and Alexis Grace Valenti. Also survived by his niece Margaret Litwak of Stamford, CT. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 pm at Castiglione Funeral Home. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home on Wednesday at 9 am and a service at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Greenwich will follow at 10 am. Donations to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Western CT Chapter, 1 Selleck St., Norwalk, CT or to the Southwest Connecticut Hospice, 1029 E. Main St., Stamford, CT 06902. Or to the Greenwich Police Silver Shield Association P.O . Box 1123 Greenwich, CT 06836 would be appreciated. CASTIGLIONE FUNERAL HOME 134 Hamilton Ave. Greenwich, CT (203)869-0894