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Dennis Cunningham Obituary
Fort Myers Beach - Dennis Cunningham, longtime Arts and Entertainment Editor for WCBS-TV in NYC, passed quietly on July 3rd at his home in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, after a lengthy battle with COPD. He was 85.
Dennis Michael Cunningham was born on May 15 in Trenton, NJ to Dennis T. Cunningham, a contractor, and Catherine Cryan Cunnningham, a Bell Telephone operator. As a child, his weekly treat was going to the movies with his Mother. These trips set the foundation for his love of film and theatre, on which Dennis would build the rest of his life.
He received a B.A., in English, from La Salle University, an M.A, in English, from Villanova University and a Ph.D., in Drama, from Carnegie Mellon University. He taught English Literature and Theatre at La Salle from 1962 until 1977. While there, he participated in La Salle College Music Theatre, a critically acclaimed Summer theatre in Philadelphia as both actor and Director.
In the early 70's, when The Arts were flourishing in The United States, he was part of "Mc Lean and Company" on KYW-TV in Philadelphia. Once on Television, his ubiquitous love for and far reaching knowledge of film and theatre became apparent, bringing an invite from WCAU-TV to review a film. So began a lengthy career in Criticism and Arts and Entertainment. Dennis' wit, surgically insightful critiques, and unorthodox approach to reviews made him a favorite in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, New York was watching, and in 1978 Network Execs finally coerced him into moving to NYC. Dennis Cunningham quickly established himself as New York's premiere theater and film critic on television. In fact, to gauge the success of a show, Theater Producers were only really interested in two reviews: the New York Times and Cunningham on Channel 2.
After a quarter century covering the fast paced world of Arts and Entertainment, Dennis moved to a more relaxed lifestyle in Southwest Florida. He kept active in the local Theater/Film/Arts scene in the Fort Myers, and enjoyed traveling with his son, Brian, and daughter-in-law, Chariya. Rome and the Vatican, a canal trip around The Netherlands, and the, sometimes several times a year, trips to Walt Disney World (which, to be honest, began in the mid 70's, and may be the real reason Dennis decided to retire in Florida), were his favorite.
His marriage to Broadway actress Jo Ann Cunningham ended in divorce. He is survived by his son Brian, Brian's wife Chariya, granddaughter Violet, a sister-in-law, Rosemary Cunningham, 5 nieces and nephews, and their families,
A private Funeral Mass will be held. In lieu of flowers, Dennis would appreciate donations to The Doe Fund (www.doe.org), or The Actors Fund (www.actorsfund.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Cunningham
Sponsored by The News-Press.
S. Erik Hermo
June 16, 2024
I worked with Dennis many times at WCBS. Always had a great time with him. Condolences to his family.
Don Walheim
March 21, 2021
Dennis Cunningham saved my life. He didn't know it, but he did, way back in 1962 when he taught a theme-writing course at La Salle College, now La Salle University. In my memory, he was unorthodox and loose in his approach to the class. I loved it. And then, one day, he said some off-the-cuff statement at the beginning of class that changed my life. More than changed, he saved it; and I'll always be grateful that he did. I wish I had told him. I remember staying back when class let out that afternoon to speak with him, but I chickened out, so I never did. Later in life, from my computer in San Antonio, Texas, however, I spent considerable time trying to track him down to send him a letter. Alas, I couldn't or didn't try hard enough to find him. When I finally noticed Mr. Cunningham's obituary a few days ago from the Philadelphia Inquirer, I knew I had to write something, so here it is: Thank you Dennis Cunningham for saving my life. I have told my story about you to many others in the hope that your words might save others. I can't help but think they did. I regret not having a relationship with you other than the one we had - teacher/student - but that's how life and death go. If your son or any others of your family want to know more about the profound effect you had on my life, they can write to me and I will respond. God bless Dennis Cunningham and his family. +
Jim Ritvalsky
August 8, 2020
My condolences to the family. Many years ago Mr. Cunningham was an instructor of mine at LaSalle. Although the class in drama was not one of my favorites he certainly made it interesting. I always enjoyed his work as a critic here in Philly as well. May he rest in peace.
Lary Marinari
July 27, 2020
I’m sorry to hear of Dennis passing,I went to High School with Roger, and was very friendly with all the Cryan family. I was lucky to have gone to LaSalle and had the privilege of taking 2 courses with Dennis, he was ann outstanding teacher witty,insightful, inspiring. To this day I remember his classes with great fondness. God keep his soul close
L S
July 23, 2020
To the family: I am so sorry to hear of your lost. I am sure that you all have many wonderful memories. Yet, I know that this must be a very difficult time for you all. When you all have a quite moment please allow the God of comfort to comfort you. Please read the following passages Psalms 94: 19,19
Gary DalCorso
July 23, 2020
He taught a course I had at La Salle. With Dennis there was never a moment of down time in the classroom, his wit was sharp as ever. I enjoyed Dennis a lot. For what it's worth, we were both from Trenton and my little Aunt Millie remembers Dennis as a bratty little kid, and that makes me laugh because he was really bold and brazen all his life and that's what makes him stand out. He was refreshing and outspoken and I'll miss him a lot.
D T
July 23, 2020
Please accept my condolences . I'm so sorry for the loss of your loved one. May the word of God comfort and strengthen you. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
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