Lucia A. "Lucy" Cunningham

Lucia A. "Lucy" (Lamanna) Cunningham, passed away peacefully at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center, Guilderland on May 4, 2024 at the age of 102.  Until a few months before her passing, she had lived independently, even doing her own cooking.

Lucy was born in Little Falls, NY and was the eighth of ten children of Antonio and Incoronata (Perna) Lamanna, who had emigrated from Monteleone di Puglia, Province of Foggia, Italy.  She was a 1940 graduate of Little Falls High School.  For many years she worked in the grocery and meat market, owned by her parents on East Jefferson Street in Little Falls.  Lamanna’s Market became a meeting place and hangout for generations of Southside kids.

Lucy married William Cunningham in St. Joseph’s Church in 1947 and the marriage of the blonde, soft-spoken Irish boy and the feisty, raven-haired Italian girl flourished for 57 years until Bill’s passing. 

Lucy was predeceased by five brothers: Luigi, Ralph, Michael, Michael-Anthony and Charles Lamanna and four sisters: Angela DePiazza, Louise Ciletti, Asunta Chizzonite and Grace Lamanna.

She is survived by her son, Alan (Kathy) of Guilderland, NY and daughter, Sharon (Paul) Sadlon of Webster, NY; four grandchildren, Christopher Cunningham, Matthew Cunningham, William (Laurie) Sadlon and Stephanie (Tom) Evans and five great grandchildren, Mikaila, Darby, Tobin, Colden, and Bryn as well as a multitude of nieces and nephews.  

Lucy was a communicant and active member of the Rosary Society at St. Joseph’s Church and later Holy Family Parish in Little Falls for many years before relocating to Guilderland, NY in 2006 where she attended St. Madeleine Sophie Parish.  She also enjoyed visiting the Siena College Chapel which is adorned with the stained glass windows formerly at St. Joseph’s, Little Falls.  She remarked that reading the names of the donors inscribed on the windows was like walking around the old Southside.  

At the age of 99, she assisted her nephew, Dr. Richard Chizzonite in compiling, editing and publishing The Lamanna Family Cookbook: The Best of Everything for The Table.  On her 100th birthday she was absolutely delighted by the numerous greetings she received from well-wishers in her beloved City of Little Falls.  Lucy's wishes were pre-arranged and entrusted into the compassionate care of Daniel J. Enea, director of Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, Little Falls, 315-508-5131.  A mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, corner of E. Main and John Street, Little Falls commencing at 9 am on Thursday, May 9, 2024 with the Rev. Brian Slezak, pastor, officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Town of Herkimer.  In respecting Lucy's wishes, there are no calling hours.  Kindly consider and send contributions in her name to Our Lady Mercy Life Center, 2 Mercy Care Lane, Guilderland, NY 12084. Please omit floral offerings.