Edwin S. Cunha age 78 of Salem, NH, died Monday at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, Haverhill, MA.
He was born in Methuen, MA, where he grew up and was educated, graduating from Tenney High School. While growing up, he was a caddy for the Merrimack Valley Country Club and a trail leader of Elsie Webber Farm. He was an athletic standout in football, basketball, and golf and was voted class hero and class athlete. He was captain of the golf team. He graduated at the top of his class and was the recipient of the Benjamin Bates Scholarship award.
He attended Bates College, where he played football and then went on to attend Northeastern University, where he received a bachelor of science in electrical engineering. He was a planning engineer for AT&T Lucent for 33 years until his retirement in 1989. He enjoyed fishing, golf, ballroom dancing, and traveling and exploring new adventures with his many wonderful friends. He and his companion Theresa Nardone established TRYED, a ballroom dancing company in Woburn, MA.
He was predeceased by his Parents: John M. and Mary (Falcon) Cunha, 2 brothers, Vasco “Valley” Cunha and Paul Cunha. He was also predeceased by his wife Genevieve “Jeannie” (Kasulonis) Cunha.
He is survived by his companion: Theresa Nardone of Salem, NH
Daughters: Elizabeth Cunha and her husband Michael Jean of La Jolla, CA
Carolyn and her husband Mark Ziogas Bristol, CT
Sons: John Cunha of Windham, NH
Edwin and his wife Lynn Cunha of Concord, NH
Brothers: John and his wife Amelia Cunha of Haywood, CA
James Cunha of New Fairfield, CT
4 Grandchildren: Stephen G. Ziogas, Jenna Ziogas, Kayla Ziogas, and Genevieve Cunha
Several Nieces, Nephews, and Many Friends
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 7th at 10 AM at Mary Queen of Peace Church, Salem, NH. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen, MA.
Calling hours will be Friday, June 6th from 4-8 PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH. Memorial contributions may be made to the: Children’s Center, 2 Merrimac St, Woburn, MA 01810.