Carl J. Cunningham

Carl James Cunningham, 86, of Newton, MA, formerly of Waltham, MA passed away on March 9, 2025.
Born to the late Ivor E. and Dorothea Cunningham (Bowman) in Cambridge, MA.
Carl was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Hardworking and disciplined always seeking opportunities for personal growth, while constantly striving to ensure his loved ones thrived.
Carl received his education from Waltham High School, graduating in 1956. Shortly after, he honorably served his country in The United States Marines. Later obtaining his Bachelor Degree in Accounting from Bentley University in 1964 and his MBA from Northeastern University in 1970.
His persistent drive to put forth his personal best led him to becoming a successful proprietor owning Richard H Bird & Co, dba Bird Precision where he worked for 61 years until his passing. Carl also served as the past president of The Waltham Jaycees, The Waltham Boys and Girls Club and The Waltham Ski Patrol, while serving as Chairman of The Waltham-Weston Hospital Board of Trustees, Board of Hospice West and the Waltham Conservation Commission.
In his leisure, Carl enjoyed sailing, and spending time with his family and friends. Sailing was one of his passions for over 40 years, including voyages to the Canadian Maritime and the Caribbean.
Survived by his wife Gabrielle M. Cunningham, his loving and devoted daughters, Denise Abell and her husband Michael Abell of Wilmington, MA, Nancy Thornell and her husband Daniel Thornell of Barnstead, NH, and Carla Andrade of Reading, MA. Carl's presence will be deeply missed by his adoring grandchildren Kathryn and Harold Abell, Reilly, Daniel, Geraldine, and Victoria Thornell, and Adam and Nicole Andrade.
Friends and family are respectfully invited to gather and remember the love and friendship Carl shared during a Memorial Service in Celebration of his life beginning at 4 PM on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, in The Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco and Sons Memorial Chapels located 773 Moody Street Waltham, MA. Parking attendants will be on duty.
For those who wish to pay their respects, to Carl and his family but are unable to attend, you are welcome to sign the family's guestbook at www.BrascoFuneralhome.com.
In Lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Carl's loving memory may be made to The Northeast Animal Shelter at
https://support.mspca.org/site/Donation2?df id=20472&20472.donation=form1 or The MSPCA at: www.support.mspca.org
"Creating Meaningful Memories"
"Brasco and Sons Memorial Chapels"