Obituary of Joseph Cunningham

Joseph David Cunningham, passed from this earth to be with our Lord December 15, 2008 in Houston, Texas. Joe is survived by his wife Fran, son Kenneth of Hoboken, NJ and daughter Eileen Steinford & her husband Scott of The Woodlands, TX. Joe is also survived by 4 grandchildren Chris Henney & fiance Stephanie McNeill, Heather Campbell, Lindsey Dilks and Kenneth Dilks as well as 3 great grandchildren, and other close relatives and dear friends. Joe leaves us to join his parents, son David, and daughter Jane Henney. Joe was born in New York City on October 23, 1920 to Joseph and Ethel Cunningham. Joe graduated from Irvington, NJ High School and attended Pace Institute in New York City prior to serving in the US Army during WWII. Immediately following his service during the war in 1945, Joe embarked on a satisfying and productive 34 year career with Mack Trucks as a very successful salesman. This career included many awards and enabled him to raise four much loved children and enjoy 59 fabulous years with his loving bride, Fran. Among his many lifetime achievements his most prized was his marriage to his wife Frances Maher Cunningham since June 4, 1949. This union led to his next most cherished moments raising their four children, Kenneth, Jane, David and Eileen. Joe and Fran celebrated their 50th anniversary with their children and grand children on a cruise through the Caribbean. Joe moved his family to the Houston area in 1958 and continued his career with Mack Trucks. He was awarded the Lifetime “Bulldog Club” Award in 1977. This award was the pinnacle of sales awards offered by Mack Trucks and was a diamond pin awarded only to those Mack Salesmen who qualified for the Annual Bulldog Award for 10 years. Joe retired from Mack Trucks in 1982 but far from rested. Joe loved baseball as a youth and his love of sports continued throughout his life. Joe was an avid follower of the Astros, Oilers, Texans and Rockets. Additionally, he loved bowling and found great enjoyment in Square and Round Dancing. In 1988, Joe and Fran began the square dancing club Country Place Squares that provided enjoyment to many Country Place residents. Joe was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Manvel, Texas as well as American Legion Post No. 129. The many friends and family who loved and respected Joe during his life are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, December 17,, 2008 at Clayton Funeral Home, Pearland, Texas between 6pm and 8pm with the Rosary being recited at 7pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 10am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 6502 County Road 48, Manvel, TX, 77578 with Father David Zapalac officiating. Interment will be at Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Joe’s name to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church or the National Parkinson Foundation, Inc., Office of Development, 1501 NW 9th Avenue/Bob Hope Road, Bob Hope Road, Miami, Florida 33136-1494, 1-800-327-4545, www.parkinson.org.