Name: Wake for Richard H. G. Cunningham III
Start: 2021-07-11T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-07-12T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home (same building as Cognetta Funeral Home)

Richard H. G. Cunningham III
It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of Richard Henry Gillespie Cunningham III. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 4, 2021, at the age of 77.
Richard was born in Brooklyn, NY to Frederick William Cunningham and Anna Bent Cunningham and was a lifelong resident of Stamford, CT. He is survived by his wife, Linda Couch Cunningham, his 12 children, 44 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and his two brothers, Frederick Cunningham (wife Sandra) and David Cunningham (wife Barbara).
He graduated from Stamford High School in 1962, and received his SB from MIT in 1967 in Political Science with a minor in Mechanical Engineering. He went on to Duke University and earned his JD from Duke Law School in 1970. He served in the US Army Reserves from 1971-1977, 399th Civil Affairs Group, as Captain. He was admitted to the CT bar in 1970 and practiced law in Stamford for 50 years. He generously helped many people in the community both in his private practice and in public office. He was passionate about politics and served as CT state senator from 1979-1981, 27th District. He also served as CT State Representative, 148th District, from 1985 – 1987. He authored the books, New Directions for America, 1978, and A Blueprint for Connecticut, 1992 and 2004, which focused on improving lives for citizens nationally and locally.
He was proud of his heritage as a Mayflower descendant. Spending time with his wife and family was always important to him. He was never happier than when he was surrounded by family.
A wake will be held in his honor at the Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home (same building as Cognetta Funeral Home), 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT (203)-359-9999 on Sunday, July 11, 2021, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
A funeral will be held at Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home on Monday, July 12, 2021, at 11:00 a.m, followed by burial at the Woodland Cemetery, 66 Woodland Place, Stamford. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com

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

Published by Stamford Advocate on Jul. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Cunningham

Sponsored by Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home.

7 Entries

Pauldarian Burns

April 20, 2024

I met him once, and we had a very profound conversation that I vividly remembered to this day. And it was within that conversation that he explained to me that I had the capacity to change the direction. My life was going I think I´m definitely a better person for meeting him.
and I´m thankful that I did get to meet him. Sharon I´m sorry for your loss.

Michael Friend

February 9, 2022

Condolences to his entire family for your loss.
I always called him Richard , the most honest caring attorney that I ever met . He went over and beyond for his clients. He had an understanding of the world that was different than most . He understood the dynamics in play in a situation like no other . He helped me in a time in my life where I thought I was helpless. I will never forget Richard , a kind good man that I looked up to.
Rest In Peace Richard .

Richard ( Dick) Stokes Duke Law 1970

July 16, 2021

At Duke law school, Dick always had a ready smile and easily engaged in friendly and intelligent conversations. I remember his smile and pleasant demeanor. Such a special and smart person ! He was well liked and respected by his classmates and professors. My sympathies to his family and many friends.

Thom Serrani

July 13, 2021

Just happened on the news of Richards passing this morning. Condolences to the family. I can´t help but think that July 4th was not a coincidence. Richard was a true American patriot, like Jefferson, Adams and Monroe who also passed on July 4.

Gary Liberatore

July 11, 2021

Very sorry to learn of Richard Cunninghams passing...My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Cunningham family....He was a true gentleman and always had a kind word to say about everyone...It was a pleasure having taught all 13 of his children and several grandchildren at K.T. Murphy School....A terrific family who added so much to the Cove Community and beyond....He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Ruthann Honcz

July 11, 2021

Sending my deepest condolences to the entire family. Dick was a fine man and neighbor. You all are in my heart.

Penny Bent Murdoch

July 9, 2021

So sorry for your loss. It is not easy to lose a spouse (father, grandfather). Always remember the many happy times you shared.

I read the obituary and noticed his mother was Ann's Bent from Brroklyn. My Dad was Thomas Bent also from Brooklyn. I wonder if we were somehow related. Curious!

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