Thomas F. Cunningham Jr

Cunningham, Thomas F.

Age 92, passed away June 26, 2010 in Beavercreek, OH. He is survived by his wife that he adored for 67 years, Vera (Holden) Cunningham (T-B-G-O-A-G-I Vera); sisters Francis Knightly of Springfield, MA; Katherine Spires of Andover, MA; and Mary Dodge of Woodbury, CT; son Neil Cunningham and wife Diane of Atlanta, GA; daughter Joan Reynolds and husband Richard of Beavercreek, OH; and three grandchildren, Paul Cunningham, Brittany Reynolds and Tori Reynolds. He was born in Lawrence, MA on January 11, 1918, and enlisted in the United States Navy in December 1941. Honorably serving his country for 30 years, he rose to the rank of Master Chief Quartermaster, representing the very pinnacle of the U.S. Navy enlisted force. His World War II service included duty in the Caribbean and Pacific theaters of operations. Among his many achievements during his long and distinguished service career was duty as the first enlisted instructor on the faculty of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. After retiring from the Navy in 1971, he devoted his life to his beloved wife, his children and his grandchildren. Moving from Manchester, NH to Beavercreek, OH in mid-1988, he and Vera became "plank holder" residents of Fairwood Village on North Fairfield Avenue, where they were active and well-respected supporters of the Fairwood community and its many activities, which were such an important part of their lives. The family wishes to thank Trinity Community of Beavercreek and the Hospice of Dayton for their compassion and loving care, and to family and friends for their constant prayers and concern. A private family funeral service will be followed by interment at the Dayton National Cemetery, at 11:00 AM on June 30, 2010. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley, 922 West Riverview Avenue, Dayton, OH 45402 (www.cssmv.org/donate.htm).