Search by Name

Search by Name

Patrick Cunning Obituary

Patrick Henry Cunning III

Patrick Henry Cunning III of Sparks lived a full life for 64 years, despite his battle with cancer for 11 years. He died February 28, 2015, at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno with a large and devoted family gathering at his side.

His life began July 17,1950, in Phoenix. He spent his early childhood in Arizona and Northern California, moving to Reno at age 10 in 1960. He attended St. Thomas Aquinas School in Reno and graduated from Bishop Manogue High School in 1968. He received a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1973 and a Masters in education in 1981, both from the University of Nevada, Reno.

He began teaching math and coaching football, basketball and golf at Manogue High School in 1974. In 1976 he started his 28 year career at Procter Hug High School, where he taught math, coached several sports and added the responsibilities of being the school's athletic director from 1991 through 2004, when he retired. He served as the Northern Nevada golf director for high schools from 1991 through 2004.

He married Tonia (Karagosian) Cunning in 1971 in Reno. They moved to Sparks in 1978, where they raised their two daughters, Michelle and Melissa. He spent many years coaching girls softball, including Bobby Sox and traveling teams.

His first love was his family, especially his wonderful grandchildren. His second love was golf, which he missed so much when his illness kept him off the course during the last six months of his life. He always enjoyed time with friends and family, and he will be remembered for his Sunday dinners. He loved to barbecue year round. Life was good sitting on the deck, enjoying the outdoors.

Pat is survived by his wife Tonia, his daughters Michelle Burns and Melissa Faul and their spouses Charlie Burns and Brian Faul. He is survived by grandchildren Gage Burns, Rowan Burns, Jacob Faul, McKenna Faul and Jack Faul. He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Peggy and Terry Dodd of Fairfield, CA; Carol and Jerry Van Sickle of Minden, NV; Tom and Vicki Cunning of Poulsbo, WA; Nancy and Bryce Meredith of Reno; and Dan and Celine Cunning of Aurora, CO.; and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Patrick and Marguerite Cunning.

A Hug High School scholarship in Pat's name has been established for student athletes planning to attend the University of Nevada, Reno. It is the Pat Cunning Scholarship Fund (Account number 76499) with Great Basin Federal Credit Union, 295 Los Altos Pkwy., Suite 105, Sparks, NV 89436, Or donations to the fund can be mailed to PO Box 4465 Sparks, NV 89432.

Pat will be interred at Masonic Memorial Gardens in Reno.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader from Mar. 8 to Mar. 9, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Cunning

Not sure what to say?





Dave Williams

March 14, 2015

Dear Tonia.... I was saddened to learn of Pat's passing. Please accept my condolences. Pat would always reach out to me at Nevada games and other social events that we attended... often inquiring about Kendyl. I always appreciated that.

Allen Beebe

March 14, 2015

It was my honor to work with Pat at Hug High School from 2000 - 2003. I was the Dean of Students and worked closely with Pat. I can only describe Pat as a respectful and caring gentleman. He worked closely with the coaches, but his passion was always focused on the students.
My condolences to his family, Pat left us way to early.
Respectfully,
Allen M. Beebe, Ret.

March 11, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss. our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this sad time love to all.Helen Faul and families

Kathy & Ron Ramoni

March 10, 2015

Dear Cunning Family, we are so saddened to learn of Pat's passing. The memories, friendships and adventures we all shared will forever be remembered and cherished. Ron will definitely miss his chicken wing buddy. He is loved.

Will Scott, (Manogue '67)

March 9, 2015

Dear Cunning Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Pat was a great guy.

Mike Old

March 9, 2015

So sorry for your lost Tonia

Steve Hull

March 8, 2015

Toni, I am sorry to hear of Pat's passing. Pat was such a fine individuala rare combination of so many good thingshonesty, integrity, quiet confidence, humility, intelligence, humor, calmness, and loyalty. Educators are often tritely praised for liking' kids. Not Pat. He loved kids and really cared. Working with Pat was a privilege. He may have been a math teacher, but he taught all of us who came in contact with him how to treat each other with respect and dignity. He set a high bar for dealing with others in this manner and you always felt obligated to meet his standard because he was such a wonderful individual. Hug High School was a better place for everyone there because of Pat. It is so sad to hear he is no longer with us.

Steve Hull

March 8, 2015

Pat was one of the finest, most thoughtful, and kind individuals one could every know. He was also a superb educator and a wonderful colleague. Hug High School and its students, parents and staff was a better place for all of us simply because Pat was there.

Marilyn Shipley

March 8, 2015

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Cunning at Hug High School both as a colleague and when collecting tickets at the various athletic games. I loved hearing about some of Pat's life adventures and stories. He was a very warm and kind gentleman to know. I enjoyed working with Pat. I am sorry he had to leave us so young.

Denise Izzi (Oliver)

March 8, 2015

Mr. Cunning was my golf coach my senior year of high school at hug. He was always so encouraging and was so good at making you laugh when you had a bad day on the course. He is a flame that will always burn bright in my heart and through the halls of hug high school. My deepest condolences cunning family. May he ever birdie the golf courses of heaven.

Twila Zarrella

March 8, 2015

So many warm & joyous memories flood my heart thinking of Pat. All the laughter we shared "on the road" w/ the girls, traveling up & down the West Coast, playing softball. No matter his physical absence, I will continue to cherish his, & his family's friendship. Love to All!

Mike Healy

March 8, 2015

I am so sorry for Pat's loss!! He was a class act throughout his whole life. I was lucky to be his friend since we were in the 6th grade at St. Thomas. Pat was an awesome athlete and I was fortunate to play with him throughout grade school and all 4 years at Manogue!! He was an unselfish teammate and played at 100% all the time. The world will miss you and you will always be in my thoughts. Tonia, if you ever need anything at all, please do not hesitate to call me!!

Robert Zumoff

March 8, 2015

Mr. Cunning was my math teacher at Hug in the late 70's. I always liked him. I'm sorry to hear of his passing.

Debbie Hayhoe

March 7, 2015

Most sincere sympathy,

Bill, Debbie, Brett, Sarah Hayhoe and Jaden

Dorothy Edwards

March 6, 2015

So sorry for your loss Melissa and family.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Patrick Cunning's name

Memorial Events
for Patrick Cunning

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Patrick's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Patrick Cunning's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more