Steven Cunningham

Steven Cunningham

January 15, 1960 - October 30, 2025

Santa Maria - Steven Francis Cunningham, aged 65, passed away on October 30, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on January 15, 1960, in San Diego, CA, Steve was known for his faithful, hardworking, and humorous nature.

A valedictorian of Helix High School and a graduate of UC San Diego, Steve's academic foundation prepared him for his career in aerospace engineering, spanning over three decades. Steve started as a test engineer with General Dynamics in San Diego in 1982, later moving to Santa Maria in 1993, where he worked with Lockheed Martin and ULA. Through his dedication and experience, he earned the role of Launch Conductor on multiple successful missions at Vandenberg Air Force Base's SLC-3E and Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Steve's Catholic faith and family were the cornerstones of his life. He was a devoted husband, an encouraging father, coach, and tutor to his children, and a playful, adored grandfather. Additionally, he was a loyal San Diego sports fan, a determined DIYer, an avid hiker, and a world traveler. Steve is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Vicki, their four children, Erin, Megan (Jimmy) Karpontinis, Allie (Lucas) Brown, and John (Fernanda), and his grandchildren Cameron, Elise, Oliver, Theo, JoJo, and Clara. Steve also leaves behind his siblings, Mike (Leslie) Cunningham, Kathy (Randy) Parker, Karen (Mark) Iverson, Rich McCoy, and Sarah (Jerry) Young, as well as numerous loved nephews and nieces. He was a cherished son-in-law to Dave and Mary Jane Wells and brother-in-law to Lori (Robert) McGraw and Kevin (Jan) Wells. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Nona Cunningham; his brother, John; his sister, Kim McCoy; his nephew, Adam Iverson; and his dear Grandma Rehs.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 14th, at 10 am at Saint Louis de Montfort, 1190 E. Clark Ave, Santa Maria, CA, with a Rosary at 9:30 am and a reception to follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve's name to the Keck School of Medicine of USC, specifically to the USC Alzheimer's Disease Research Fund (GF1017462), located at 1510 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033.