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Michael A. Cunnane

1935 - 2014

Michael A. Cunnane obituary, 1935-2014, San Diego, CA

BORN

1935

DIED

2014

Michael Cunnane Obituary

Cunnane, Michael A. 09/30/1935 ~ 12/05/2014 SANTEE -- Our much loved pastor, priest and friend, the Reverend Michael Aloysius Cunnane, passed away on Friday, Dec. 5, 2014 from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Fr. Mike, as he was fondly known here, was born on Sept. 30, 1935 in Kilgarriff, Co Mayo, Ireland. He was the son of Patrick and Annie Kate Cunnane. After completing studies at St. Peter's College in Wexford, Ireland, he was ordained for the Motherwell Diocese, Scotland on June 4, 1961. He served in various parishes in Scotland until 1977 when he transferred to San Diego for health reasons. He served as associate pastor at St. Martin of Tours, La Mesa; St. Rose of Lima, Chula Vista; and the Mission San Diego de Alcala until appointed pastor at Guardian Angels Parish, Santee in 1986 where he faithfully served for 25 years. In June of 2011, he celebrated his 50th jubilee followed by his retirement in July. Fr. Mike was a humble servant blessed with many gifts, one of which was an amazing memory. He had a penchant for remembering not only your name but your story as well, even if he had not seen you for many years. He touched and transformed many lives by the way in which he lived the gospel message. Throughout his illness, many people sent cards and letters thanking Fr. Mike for bringing them back to the faith with his warmth, love, compassion and sense of humor. He is survived by his sisters Celine O'Connell and Mary Hollingsworth in Ireland; his brother Patrick Cunnane in New York; his sisters-in-law Mary Jo Cunnane in Ireland and Vera Cunnane in New York as well as 22 nieces and nephews and many grand nieces and nephews. His sister Patricia Sullivan died on Dec. 8, 2014, three days after Fr. Mike. He was preceded in death by his brothers John Cunnane and Edward Cunnane and his brother- in-law Michael Sullivan. Services for Fr. Mike will be held at Guardian Angels Church, 9310 Dalehurst Road, Santee. The Vigil and Reception of the Body is on Thursday, Dec. 11th, at 6:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be on Friday, Dec. 12th, at 10:00 a.m. with a reception immediately following in the Cunnane Parish Center. Fr. Mike will be laid to rest at Knock Cemetery Co Mayo, Ireland with his parents. Acknowledging Fr. Mike's love and concern for the poor, in lieu of flowers it is suggested donations in his name be made to the Guardian Angels Food Bank or a favorite charity of your choice.

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

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Dec. 10, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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Patrick flynn Higgins

February 28, 2025

Father cunnane was the parish priest at Holy family mossend scotland in the early 70s and I stayed 300 yds from his parish most weekends he would walk round our street muirmadkin road and we would all go walking with him Catholic and protestants alike he was funny, genuine and most sincere person I can ever remember meeting and over the years thought about him often and it wasn't until I was in hospital in 2016 I got chatting to someone in bed across from me and he came up in conversation and sadly I was informed of his death and place he had moved to so god bless him and I personally will never forget him.

Jacki Crandall

December 4, 2024

Fr Mike was the ultimate version of what a priest should be. He was loving and compassionate beyond words. He has been so missed by all of us that knew him. God Bless him.

George Nochta

December 6, 2023

I will always remember you Fr. Mike. You are eternally in my thoughts and prayers. With great Love and Admiration, RISP, Your Brother in Christ Jesus, George >+))))><

Diane Nunez

December 6, 2022

I'll never forget Father Mike as he made several visits to my little girl in the hospital due to leukemia. A long drive from Chula Vista to Mission Valley he drove. His thoughtfulness and love for all will always be remembered. Fr. Mike is now in heaven with my little girl.

George Nochta

December 4, 2022

Fr. Mike, you are eternally missed by every person's life, which you touched during your career serving Our Lord and the parishioners placed under your care. You were a wonderful example of what a dedicated Catholic Priest should be. I am certain you are in heaven looking after us all. Rest in Peace my dear friend. I will always love you.

Margaret Smith and Jacqui Silver

December 4, 2021

During your time as Parish Priest at
Saint Rose of Lima Church you were much
beloved by all the parishioners, including
my sister Jacquelyn and I and my son, Simon. Your passing was such a great loss to us all
but we take comfort in knowing you are
with the Lord in Heaven. God Bless
caused such sadness

Marsie Sloyan

December 4, 2019

Remembering Fr. Al on his Anniversary. May he Rest in Peace. Remembering the good times we shared with him in Knock.

jennifer drake

February 11, 2015

Father Mike you will be missed greatly. You have been such an inspiration to myself and my family. You made me believe miracles ! I will always smile when I think of you. Thank you for always being there !!!

John Hatfield

December 23, 2014

Father Mike I will miss our talks about the Chargers and Notre Dame, you will be missed by so many. Thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement.

Holly Anne Burcher

December 18, 2014

Iv'e known father Mike pretty much my whole life. I will truley miss his since of humor,ability to see beyond the superficial and to love the whole person no matter how complex the person was. He was very humble and that is a refreshing trait in todays society. Weeks later now and I still cry because he was versitile and could adapt to almost anyones personality. He was one of my guardian angels on earth and forever will be. I have learned from his phrase "Don't sweat the small stuff". It kept me sane and again his humor was awesome and how he could go from talking to us girls to the upper middle class. He had alot of class about him and diplomacey about him. We are all given gifts he just used his now I chive on to use mine only because he was one of my mentors who taught me how. hugs and kisses your daughter and sister in Christ Jesus!

George Nochta

December 17, 2014

I will truly miss Fr. Mike, my former Pastor, Spiritual Adviser, and Loving Dear Friend. He truly is a wonderful Christian man and the best Priest and Pastor a parish could ever have. Farewell Mike and please put a good word in with the Lord for me. I love you much. George Nochta >+)))><

Don and Kaye Schmidt

December 16, 2014

In memory of Fr. Mike

December 16, 2014

My name is Helen Fearon....Father Michael was my parish priest at Holy Family Church in Mossend here in the Diocese of Motherwell over 40 years ago..I converted to catholicism on my marriage and received religious instruction from Father Michael and was received into the church and confirmed by him...Many years after he had moved to the USA.. he returned for a visit in his silver jubilee year and I wondered if he would remember me....As he came up the aisle of the church after mass, he stopped at the row where I was smiled and said to me....'ah Helen me darlin' how grand to see you again and hugged me' I felt 10 feet tall..!! .I saw him again on his last visit, his golden jubilee year and after mass we had tea at the parish centre with the rest of the congregation who were there....He still remembered all our names and had smiles and hugs for us all....I loved him so, he was a saintly wonderful man and has surely earned his place at home in heaven with God........God bless and keep you forever in the palm of his hand Father Michael Cunnane.....my beloved mentor and friend RIP.....

December 15, 2014

What a joy and blessing it has been to know this wonderful man. He was a true model of God's love. We are all a little poorer for his passing from us, but are comforted to know he is in true peace. God bless you, Father Mike. Thank you for all your love.
Jim and Dianne El-Hajj

December 15, 2014

So long dear friend I suspect you and Kelley are in heaven sharing a glass and getting ready to tee off. You will live in our memories forever of all the times we shared together and of all the good things you brought into our lives.
John and LIn Dowdy

December 14, 2014

Dec 5, 2014-- The world lost a truly wonderful individual today. A man who has known me my entire life. The man who baptized me. Gave me my first communion. Called me a friend... Starting at a young age, I looked up to him because of the immense kindness he displayed to others, and he greatly contributed towards shaping who I am today. He wasn't only a fantastic priest, but a great man...
You've done so much for my family. We will miss you- I will miss you... Rest in peace Father Mike. And may God Bless you and your family.
-- Jeffrey Lawless

Paschal & Cecilia Odu

December 13, 2014

When a man leaves his blood family and adopts the human race as his family, it is a sacrifice to be lauded and applauded. When a good human being like our friend Father Michael Cunnane does so, it is up to those of us who have benefitted from his largesse and spiritual guidance to sing his praises and perpetuate his name.
He represented the spiritual bulwark of our family from the time he became the pastor at Guardian Angels Church for over 26 years.
He officiated at the wedding of our daughter and was willing to attend to our request to do so at our humble abode in Santee, California.
We know he is in a better place and that he continues to intercede on our behalf with the Almighty God, should we falter in our footsteps.

December 13, 2014

Father Mike, you were an inspiration to me. You healed my soul by your kindness and gave me the strength to endure. May your soul forever rest in peace and may you always shine bright in everyone's memory. You will be missed. - Melissa vS

Matthew Ludtke

December 13, 2014

Father Mike married us in 1994, baptized our daughter in 2002 and laid my grandma to rest in 2004. He played a very special part in our life. Our family will always cherish the memories and times we spent together. God Bless you Father and rest in peace.

Deb & Michael Engaldo

December 13, 2014

My family and I moved to Santee in 1986, the same year as Fr Mike - the only Priest my children and Grandchildren have ever know - and what a gift - we love you and will miss you but know we will see you again - hugs and kisses??

Matt and Leslie Ludtke

December 13, 2014

Rest in peace, Father Mike. We will never forget you.

Christina Cole Liska

December 13, 2014

Boy oh Boy do I miss you Fr.Mike. Thank you so much for always being there for me and my family. Heaven has gained an amazing beautiful angel. Love you xoxoxo

Melissa Watt (Conners)

December 13, 2014

My beloved Father Mike! I'm so blessed to have had you a part of my faithful memories. From my first communion to my confirmation, you were always there. Peace and love to you.

Mary Turley

December 13, 2014

I was very sad to learn that Father Mike had passed away. He was a great friend of our dad's and then our mom's after dad's passing. He was loved by all in our family. May he rest in peace with all those who loved him - especially from Guardian Angel's. Love from the Duffy Family.
Jim Duffy Jr and Family
Madeline Duffy Mott and Family
Margaret Duffy Anderson and Family
Mary Duffy Turley and Family

December 13, 2014

On behalf of my family and I we will miss you forever but your wisdom, laughter, your love and caring for us will last in our hearts forever. The wonderful memories of you able to convert my husband to our Catholic faith meant the world to us, the memories with you sharing meals and fun with our family will live in our hearts forever. The many years you carried our grandsons thorough their Conformation years, you made sure they could not fail. The memories of Fred and my Fiftieth Anniversary when we renewed our vows you made it so special. The memories how you always called Jeff the big guy right from the pulpit when he would walk in to church, always teasing no matter where you were. You had a way of making all of us feel so special. God sent us a true Angel a guide for all who were blessed to know you even for a moment. You will live in our hearts. forever.

Sylvia Dauphin

December 13, 2014

Father Mike, I will not cry for long because you are gone from this life. I will smile because you were here. You were the most Godly person I knew on earth. You are now in a perfect world and can rest in peace. There are not enough words to express my gratitude for all you have done for me and mine. So I will always do my best to carry on with your causes. I look forward to your continual guiding spirit from Heaven. I love and miss "ye" very much.

Paul Phillips

December 12, 2014

Thank you Father Michael for always having my back. God bless you!!

Liz Harter

December 12, 2014

For some this life is too long for others it never seems long enough! I love you and will miss you forever.

December 12, 2014

I was very sad to hear of Father Mike's passing. He was a great friend of my dad's and after my dad's passing - my mom's. He was very dear and loved by our whole family when we were all attending Guardian Angel's. May he rest in peace with my mom and dad and all the others who loved him and he loved back. Much love, the Duffy Family.
Jim Duffy Jr. and Family
Madeline Duffy Mott and Family
Margaret Duffy Anderson and Family
Mary Duffy Turley and Family.

December 12, 2014

Dear Cousin and Friend,
You have been an inspiration to all of us.
We will always remember our times with you and the phone calls that kept us connected. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Bernadine, Florence and Tom

Margaret Wilson

December 12, 2014

My name is Margaret Wilson and I am from Fr Mike's parish here in Halfway Cambuslang....I have very fond memories of my friend Fr Mike and he will remain in my thoughts and prayers forever....my condolences reach out to his family,his parishioners and anyone who had the great fortune to meet and know him.
To his colleague and friend And brother Fr Kevin my thoughts and prayers are with you too.....RIP Fr Mike ...x

Leo & Laura Mellizo

December 12, 2014

Father Mike will be in our hearts forever. We are thankful to Father Mike for making us part of Guardian Angels family. May perpetual light shine upon Father Mike, May he rest in peace. Amen.

December 12, 2014

In Loving Memory of Fr. Al. Treasured Memories of Chat, Fun and Laughter. Sadly missed by Maureen and Marsie Sloyan, Knock, Ireland.

December 12, 2014

May you rest in peace Father Mike. You brought a lot of joy and happiness to Guardian Angels. You were always there for the people at Guardian Angels. We are sad that you are gone, but find comfort that you are with God. Wilder Family

Roland and Stephanie Matias

December 11, 2014

May your love shine bright within our hearts so that we continue to spread your message of The Word of God.
We love you Father Mike.

Laura Ortiz

December 11, 2014

Rest Fr. Mike you're work is done. God truly blest me through knowing you, your guidance, your gentle friendship your loving heart, I will miss and I will always love you. Rest Fr. Mike you are in our Lord's hand.

Roland and Stephanie Matias

December 11, 2014

Father Mike, you were the shepherd of our hearts. Thank you for your unconditional love, support, understanding and compassion. Remember us when you enter God's Kingdom. Your holy message and opinions were always Golden in our household---"Well, what would Father Mike say/do?" You are forever in our hearts. We love you.

Judy Bonk

December 11, 2014

May you rest in peace in the loving arms of God. You were so blessed. Through your prayers & those of the St. Rose of Lima school children, my life was saved. I had 7 major surgeries in 1979. Even when the doctors said that they had done everything they could & now it was up to God, you never gave up on me and remained at my side in intensive care with compassion & love. The miracle happened and I am still here today. I know now that you will have a special place in His kingdom, because of your love for the poor, sick, & dying. Thank you Father Cunnane.

December 11, 2014

I will never forget the kindness he has shown me all these years, even tho I wasn't of his faith. I will miss him always. Helen Boyer.

Kim Aeria

December 11, 2014

Father Mike - You are truly one in a million. You have always been very special to my family. I am so glad that my children had a chance to get to know you - also receive a gift from God through you, baptism. I will make sure to tell them many stories about you when they grow older as well. We are eternally grateful for your love, compassion, and kindness. We will forever cherish all of the special memories made through the years. Thank you for always being there for me! You are a great friend and confidant. All of us at Guardian Angels will miss you terribly, but we know you are in Heaven! I look forward to seeing your smiling face on the other side someday. Love you so much, Fr. Mike. May you rest in peace!

Betty Subasa

December 11, 2014

I knew from the time I first met you,many years ago my life would be different. You put that glow back in my faith. Your laughter your little jokes One of the reasons I "came down the hill" and stayed at GA He has kept you in the palm of his hands and now you are in His arms You will be greatly missed by all.

Mary Vilicich

December 11, 2014

Father Mike married my husband and me on the anniversary of his ordination June 4, 2005. He came to bless our house in 2002 and stayed for dinner. He was always so loving and kind and we will miss him tremendously.

December 11, 2014

I know the angels rejoiced when you entered those gates and I know you will bring smiles to all you encounter there. You were SO loved by my family -the Hanson's & the Trombacco"s part of SO many of our special moments. Looking forward to getting one of your wonderful hugs when it is my time. Love you Father Mike.

Kathleen Corby

December 11, 2014

I first met Fr. Mike in 1991, when he baptized my baby daughter. He never forgot me or my name and truly was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He was there for you when you needed a priest, but also when you just needed a friend who always had a smile and a laugh. RIP my old Irish friend! You will never be forgotten. Hopefully I'll see you on the other side one day. Cheers! xoxo

Kaye and Don Schmidt

December 11, 2014

Our hearts are heavy at the loss of our beloved Father Mike. He was and always will be the bright beacon, the light of true faith, that brought us back to the church. We will always remember him fondly for the love, wit and guidance he showed to us. He is home with his heavenly Father, where his light will shine forever.

Debbie kernes

December 10, 2014

I had a different last name when I knew him at the mission.

Debbie kernes

December 10, 2014

I remember father Mike at the mission San Diego. He was a very compassionate & caring priest. I will miss you father Mike. May you rest in peace.

Diane Nunez

December 10, 2014

Fr. Mike meant the world to my family. We were parishioners at St. Rose of Lima in Chula Vista and he would drive all the way to Kaiser Hospital in Mission Valley to visit and pray for our sick little 5 year old daughter who was sick with leukemia. He was so sorry he was not able to say her funeral mass as he had plans to visit his homeland at that time. Fr Mike made these visits to her many times. He will always be in my heart as a most loving and kind priest. I'm sure he and Elena are visiting again in heaven. RIP Fr. Mike.

Chris Johnson

December 10, 2014

Guardian Angels sorry for your loss.

Juliana Roca (Casas)

December 10, 2014

I'm so sad to hear that Father Mike had passed. I went though all of the CCD classes and even confirmation I think in 95? He was always so friendly. He will be greatly missed.

Lorraine Burke

December 10, 2014

Thank you so much for being part of my life. You added so much joy and hope and cheer, especially during my illness when you were so sick yourself. You will never be forgotten and are such a great example of what a priest should be to his flock. Much love . . .

Debra Clark

December 10, 2014

It's sad to think that I won't hear your laugh or jokes again or see the twinkle in your eye. But we (and by that I mean myself, my family, the Church community and anyone who met you) will never forget all that and more. You reinforced my faith and embodied it for my children who are now grown. Thank you, Father Mike. God's peace be with you. Love, The Clark family

Simon Smith

December 10, 2014

So sad to hear about the passing of Fr Michael A. Cunnane (Fr Mike). From the very first days my mum and I emigrated to Chula Vista from Scotland and we found ourselves in an unfamiliar land, he was a familiar Celtic personality, a true friend and vital provider of support. He remained a dear friend of my family from his time at St Rose all through his various other parish appointments right up until he passed. Just over a year ago he was planning to make the trip to Edinburgh to marry Katie and I but he fell sick and was not able to make the journey or to perform the ceremony. However, he did bless us when we visited San Diego this past summer and for that I am eternally grateful. He was always a very large personality, funny, witty. He was a lover of golf and, of course, his beloved Chargers. I have no doubt that his Funeral Mass will be attended by a huge amount of people that he brought joy and peace to over his long service to humanity. I know you are with your family upstairs just as you are in the hearts of your friends and family down here... You were one of a kind!
Rest in Peace with lots of love from your pal
Steven (aka Simon)

Karen Adler

December 10, 2014

Fr. Mike is part of the Adams family history and will always be remembered with love. Karen Adams Adler

M Norris

December 10, 2014

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Jacquelyn Silver

December 10, 2014

In Loving Memory.
Father Mike, you will be truly missed.
Our thoughts and Prayers
are with you always.
RIP
Love, Jacqui Kendall and Margaret.

Rosemary Adams

December 10, 2014

Fr. Mike may you rest in peace and knowing that all who you touched will carry your love in their hearts. Fr. Mike we love you and thank you for all the blessed years we had with you.

Candace Chenowth Chase

December 10, 2014

Father Mike helped me with two of the most difficult times in my life, the loss of my mother and my daughter. He was the most welcoming,caring person and a darling of a man!
Sending love and prayers to his family!
Rest in Peace

Sabrina Dancan

December 10, 2014

We are so blessed to have such an angle look over us from Gods kingdom... though his humanly presence will be greatly missed, his spirit lives within us! Thank you Father Mike for the countless memories, you will be missed so much! I love you<3

Margaret Smith

December 10, 2014

Gone but never forgotten. Forever in our hearts. Margaret, Jacqui and Kendall x

Edward Valenti

December 10, 2014

It was a great honor to have known father Mike.I will always remember the many Christmas day's he spent time with our family at my daughter's house.I will miss him very much. Rest in peace father in the arms of our Lord.
Rose and Edward Valenti

December 10, 2014

Thank you for your love and warmth, which I know will continue through the memories. Cynthia

Ana Maria Lawrence

December 10, 2014

Rest in Peace Father. Thank you for all your jokes and laughs through the years. You will be dearly missed!

father Ray BMurrin

December 10, 2014

I had the privelage of being ordained with Fr Mike in Wexford Ireland in June 1961.He was such a warm and gentle person. I cherish such happy memories of our years in thr Seminary.
may God grant him eternal rest and peace in heaven

Sharon Swanke

December 10, 2014

While we are weeping, the angels are rejoicing. It was always so good to hear Fr. Mike say, "Welcome to Guardian Angels parish." We did feel welcome and knew we were loved. Fr. Mike you were loved, and are loved, right back.

cathy Hays

December 10, 2014

I am so sad to hear that you passed Father Mike. You were such a sweet man who loved everyone. You took such good care of everyone at our church. Thank you for your prayers for me when i was sick and in the hospital and coming to visit my mom and dad who you enjoyed speaking with so often. You will always be remembered. May you rest in peace.

Chris Zegler

December 10, 2014

RIP Father Mike. Thank you for blessing my family so many years ago.

December 10, 2014

Dear Father Mike, Thank you. Thank you for caring so faithfully for your flock at Guardian Angels. Thank you for genuinely loving all people. The way you made everyone feel welcome and loved is something that we all will treasure. You will be so missed on earth. You made a great impact on our family. Deepest condolences to your family.
John, Eva, and Christine Farr

Brenda Curry

December 10, 2014

Fr. Mike your presence will be dearly missed at Guardian Angels as well as throughout the community you loved. As a teenager when you came to Guardian Angels I can honestly say that your guideance and friendship not only enriched my faith and love for the Lord, but you had a profound impact on the woman I grew up to be today. You had a special love for all of your parishioners individually, the way you remembered us each and every one when we would come back to visit was vear heart warming. Until we will all see you again enjoy the crown from our Lord that you so richly deserve and fly high with all the angels and the saints, may you forever Rest In Peace!

December 10, 2014

We will miss you Dear Fr. Mike and always remember you fondly. You were truly in every sense of the word a servant of God. May you rejoice in his light! Love you! KC, Jacki & Taylor Crandall

We will miss you very much. You were a blessing to all of us. Rest in peace and in Jesus' amazing love.

Medrano-Lawless Family

December 10, 2014

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