Robert P. Cunningham, Jr.

Robert P. Cunningham, Jr. 79, of New Philadelphia, died on Monday, September 26, 2016 in Arden Courts of Bath following a period of declining health.

A son of the late Robert P. Cunningham, Sr. and the late Mary (Wardley) Cunningham, Robert was born June 17, 1937 at Boston, Massachusetts.

Robert grew up in Farmington, Connecticut and was a 1955 graduate of Farmington High School. Following graduation, he served in the United States Air Force. During his military service, Robert was stationed in Berlin, Germany where he served as a Cryptographer.

He attended the University of Maryland as well as Northeastern University at Boston. Robert was a decorated Advertising Executive in the Cleveland, Ohio area for many years. Throughout his career, he traveled the world and ultimately retired from Digital Equipment Corporation.

Robert was an active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd while living in Nashua, New Hampshire and was also a member of the Wilton Photography Club. He enjoyed the outdoors and was especially fond of camping, hiking and cross country skiing. Robert had a true love for the White Mountains in New Hampshire and he enjoyed random drives through the New Hampshire countryside as well as the Amish communities in Ohio. As a young boy, he summered in West Bath, Maine and he continued the tradition into his adult years.

He loved his dogs and enjoyed taking them on walks. Being a true New Englander, Robert had a passion for lobster, clam chowder and the Red Sox as well as a good bowl of ice cream. Robert also enjoyed building models such as airplanes, guns and radios. He had a great passion for photography.

Most of all Robert was a true friend who thoroughly enjoyed the many relationships he built throughout his lifetime.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Patsy (Curry) Cunningham whom he married on June 17, 1972; his children, Robert (Gwynne) Cunningham of Caldwell, Ohio, Sharon (Jim) O’Donnell of Bay Village, Ohio, Thomas (Marjean) Cunningham of New Philadelphia and John (Tami) Cunningham of Columbus, Ohio; his grandchildren, Ayron, Briana, Ryan, Alicia, Eric, Matthew, Benjamin, Michaela and Logan; his great grandchildren, Lincoln, Kadence, Josiah, Samara, Kali, Grady and Maylee; a sister, Janet (Steve) Becker of Connecticut and his nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Nancy Worden.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2016 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A service celebrating Robert’s life will follow at 5:30 p.m. in the funeral home with his son, Pastor Thomas Cunningham officiating. Following the service, a light reception will follow in the Hospitality Room in the funeral home.

Contributions may be made in Robert’s memory to Crossroad’s Hospice, 3743 Boettler Oaks Drive, Suite E, Green, OH 44685 or to a charity of one’s choice.