WEST SPRINGFIELD ~ John B. “Jack” Cunningham, Sr., 86, of West Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Thursday, December 27, 2018. He passed into Eternal Life at his home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Springfield on February 26, 1932, a beloved son of the late Raymond F. Cunningham and Pearl E. (Wilson) Cunningham. He was raised in the North End section of Springfield, graduated from Cathedral High School in 1950 and had lived in Springfield for many years before moving to West Springfield in 1996. Jack furthered his education while attending night school and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1963 from Western New England College in Springfield. He later received a Master’s Degree in Education Guidance in 1971 and a Master’s Degree in School Administration in 1979 from Westfield State College. Jack served his country in the United States Army National Guard and later the United States Army Reserves. He retired after 28 years of service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was proud to have been an instructor at many of the nation’s army infantry schools. Jack was employed by the City of Chicopee Public Schools as a teacher and drop out counselor for many years. He worked at the Chapin, Bellamy, and Barry Elementary Schools and Chicopee Comprehensive High School. For over 20 years, he served as the Assistant Civil Defense Director for the City of Springfield. Active in his Catholic faith, he was a lifelong communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Springfield where he was a member of the Over 60 Club of the church. He was also a member of the American Legion and a life member of the John Boyle O’Reilly Club in Springfield where he served as a member of their Honor Guard. Most of all, Jack loved to have fun and could always bring a smile or laugh to many of his family and dear friends. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Elizabeth H. “Betty” (Fullum) Cunningham. They were married on August 23, 1958 at Saint Mary Church in Westfield and were blessed with over 60 years of happiness together. In addition to his wife, he leaves his four loving sons, Christopher J. Cunningham and his wife, Debra, of West Springfield, John B. Cunningham, Jr. of Portland, OR and Daniel J. Cunningham and James P. Cunningham, both of Springfield; his cherished grandson, Michael C. Cunningham of Pittsfield; his dear sister-in-law, Sevan Cunningham of Arlington, VA; his dear brother-in-law, Joseph F. Fullum of Arlington, MA; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Cunningham and Fullum families. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his loving infant daughter, Kathleen Cunningham who was Called Home on April 14, 1962; his dear brother, Edward Cunningham; and his dear brother-in-law, James Fullum and his wife, Philomena. His family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the staff of Beacon Hospice for their love and support during Jack’s illness. His Funeral will be held on Friday, January 4, 2019 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, (funeral home will open at 7:45 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104. His Committal Service with United States Army Military Honors will follow the Mass at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, January 3, 2019 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. His family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Sacred Heart Church Renovation Fund, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details, please visit:
www.stpierrephaneuf.com