Frank M. Cunningham, 90 died August 16th at the Community Hospice House in Merrimac, New Hampshire, surrounded by his children.
Born on July 8th, 1921 in Somerville Massachusetts, son of Minnie and Michael Cunningham, he was the loving husband of the late Gertrude Cunningham.
Frank graduated from Somerville High School and Coast Guard Academy and spent the next 6 years in the North Atlantic during World War II. He received a medal for heroism for saving the lives of many who had plunged into the sea after their sister ship had been torpedoed.
When WWII ended, Frank met the love of his life, Gert, and they were married in November of 1954. Eventually they settled in North Andover, Massachusetts to raise a family.
Frank began a 28 year career in sales and eventually District Manager for Texaco and had some of the best years of his life with great men and women that he worked with in the company and community which he considered good friends even after his retirement. For many summers, he was also the manager of the Giants, a booster club team in North Andover and had many fond memories of some of the great kids he coached.
Frank retired in 1980 and spent his winters on Hutchinson Island, Florida and his summers in West Harwich, Massachusetts where he enjoyed the good things in life such as Golf and long days on the beach. He loved the game and especially loved the Ocean.
Frank spent the last four years living with his daughter Carol.
He is survived by sons, Frank Cunningham, Jr., Paul Cunningham, Daughters, Carol Cunningham, and Jane Otis, Daughter-in-law, Sheryl Cunningham, Son-in-law, Charlie Otis, Sister Lois Hamilton, sister-in-law, Celine Bresnahan, granddaughters Kellie Cunningham and Ellie Otis and his grandson Frankie Otis, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother Robert Cunningham.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to call on Thursday, August 18th, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 35 Merrimack Street, North Andover, MA. For online condolences and other information please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com
His funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 19th, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Michael’s Church in North Andover, MA.
Burial will follow in the Ridgewood Cemetery in North Andover, MA.
Donations may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation.