Luke R. Cunningham

Luke R. Cunningham, 67, of Bethlehem passed away Sunday, March 30, 2025 at the Birches of the Lehigh Valley. He was the husband of Dona M. (Heimsoth) Cunningham. Luke was born on August 5, 1957 in Fountain Hill to Kay F. (McCraney) Elekes of Bethlehem and the late Luke P. Cunningham who died Oct. 24, 2024. He was a 1975 graduate of Bethlehem Catholic High School where he excelled in wrestling and met his high school sweetheart, Dona. Luke continued his education and wrestling career at Keystone Junior College and the University of Hartford. He owned and operated RL Hammer Electric, Bethlehem with his brother Lee from 1984 until merging with their father Luke P. in 2000 to form West Side Hammer Electric.

Luke was a proud past board member, past president, and past Governor of the Penn-Del-Jersey chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and was named Fellow in 2018 to The Academy of Electrical Contracting, one of the most prestigious affiliations within the industry. He was a former board member of St. Luke's Allentown and St. Luke's Community Initiatives. He also served as a past board member of the L.V. Work Force Development, Great Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Skills USA Council, L.V. Economic Development Corp., Bethlehem Rotary, City of Bethlehem Electrical Board, IBEW 375 JATC and the Bethlehem Area Vo-tech. Luke was a member of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church, Bethlehem.

Family was most important to Luke, he loved to travel with his family, especially to Surf City, LBI. He coached his daughter's softball teams and never would miss an event his grandchildren were involved in. Luke was a die-hard Eagles fan, holding season tickets for many years. Luke's family would like to thank both the staff at the Birches of the L.V. Memory Care and Asera Hospice for their love and care for Luke during his illness. They especially would like to thank Luke's personal care nurses Tanya and Raquel for their unending love and support to Luke.

Survivors: In addition to his mother and wife of 46 years; daughter: Meagan M. (Ryan) Beck of Bethlehem; siblings: Lucille (Thomas) Palangio of Reading, Linda (Mick) Galliher of Williamsport, Lisa (Paul) Swingle of Nazareth, Lora (Robert) Fondl of Bethlehem, Lee (Gail) Cunningham of Coplay; grandchildren: Braden Luke Beck and McKenzie Beck; many nieces and nephews.

Services: Family and friends are invited to his visitation on Sunday, April 6, 2025 from 2-5pm at the Connell Funeral Home, 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Monday, April 7, 2025 at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 730 West Broad Street in Bethlehem. The inurnment will conclude services at Holy Saviour Cemetery. Condolences may be offered online at www.connellfuneral.com

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to "Team Luke" for Alzheimer's research, care of the Connell Funeral Home, Inc, 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018.