William H. “Bill” Cunningham 67, a 34 year resident of Franklin died Thursday April 27, 2006 at Milford Regional Medical Center, following a brief illness. He was the husband of Dorothy M. “Dottie” (Maciejewski) Cunningham.
Raised and educated in Pawtucket, RI he was a graduate of St. Raphael Academy and was a 1961 graduate of Providence College.
Mr. Cunningham was a retired sales, marketing and public relations representative for several area electronics companies. Following his retirement he worked as a greens keeper at Maple Gate Golf and Country Club in Bellingham, MA.
He served in the US Navy during the Viet Nam War. He attained the rank of Lt. Commander after having remained in the naval reserve for 20 years.
He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church and also assisted with the Franklin Blades Skaters where the children would affectionately call him “Mr. Bill”.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 44 years is a son Gregory W. Cunningham and his wife Keri (McGee) Cunningham of S. Kingston, Rhode Island, a daughter Pamela E. Cunningham of Ballston Lake, New York, 4 brothers: Edward F. Cunningham of Pensacola, Florida, Dennis M. Cunningham of Middletown, Rhode Island, James P. Cunningham of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Paul R. Cunningham of Florida. Also surviving are 2 grandchildren Victoria E. and James M. Cunningham.
He was the brother of the late Thomas G. and John J. Cunningham Jr.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral with military honors Monday May 1, 2006 at 8:15AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. with a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church 1 Church Square Franklin at 9AM. Interment will follow at 2PM at Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter.
Calling hours are Sunday April 30, 2006 from 3-7PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations in his memory sent to the American Cancer society 1115 W. Chestnut St. Brockton, MA 02301 would be appreciated.