POMPEY – Donald R. Cunningham, 88, of Shea Rd., Pompey, passed away Jan. 23, 2011, at the Veteran’s Hospital, Syracuse.
Born on March 27, 1922, in Buffalo, Don was the son of Chris and Ona (Hatt) Cunningham. When he was a young boy, Don’s family moved to Syracuse. He graduated in 1940 from Vocational High School. In September of 1942, Don enlisted in the Army Air Corp. After training in Amarillo, Texas, he was sent to the Pacific Theater to be a B-17 mechanic. His squadron was stationed at Clark Field shortly after Gen. McArthur returned to the Philippines. At the conclusion of the war, Don was moved to Osaka Air Base, Japan, where he served as a fire chief.
For 52 years, Don ran his own business, Syracuse Automatic Service. He repaired washers and dryers all over Onondaga County. He loved his work and his loyal customers.
On July 4, 1947, at the Syracuse First Baptist Church, Don married his sweetheart, Joanne P. Hart.
Don is survived by his wife, Joanne, and his children: Daniel and Shirley Cunningham, Dianne and Brian Bruce, Dana and Lisa Cunningham, Fr. Douglas Cunningham, John and Mary Cunningham, Chris and Kim Cunningham; his brother, David and Teresa Cunningham; and three sisters-in-law: Mildred Cunningham, Jeanne Harris, and Mary Jane Davis. Don had 22 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Donald Scott; his parents; his brother Richard; and his sister, Christie and husband Alan Hammerle.
A Mass of Christian burial will take place at Immaculate Conception, 7386 Academy St., Pompey, on Thursday at 11 a.m. Friends are invited to call at the church on Thursday from 9:30 until the mass at 11.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Don’s memory to the Syracuse VA Medical Center, 800 Irving Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210. All contributions will be used toward the resident’s “wish list.”
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, Norwich.