|
From The Albany Times Union, July 24, 2009:
GLENVILLE, NY. Michael T. Cunningham, 63, died Wednesday, July 15, 2009, after a long illness. Born in Albany, he was the son of Francis J. Cunningham, and the late Isobel Jane Liness Cunningham. Michael was a veteran of the Vietnam War, receiving three Purple Heart medals and several other decorations. He was retired from Sealed Air Corporation. Michael loved his family, country and life. His many interests included chess, golf, history, writing, reading, and running. He was a wonderful man and we miss him greatly. He is survived by his wife, Paula Breslin Cunningham of Glenville; two daughters, Julie (Robert) Dorneman, and Kathleen Cunningham; two sons, Patrick (Nicki) Cunningham, and Jesse Cunningham; and five grandchildren, Liam, Braden, Alex, Chris and Jesse, all of Ind. He is also survived by two brothers, and one sister, as well as several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the Stratton VA Medical Center, and Dr. Julie Phillips and her team for their compassionate care. Funeral services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. Contributions in Michael's memory may be made to Inpatient Hospice Unit, c/o Veterans Administration Hospital, 113 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208. Arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., Glenville, NY 12302. Online condolences may be sent to the Cunningham Family at glenvillefuneralhome.com.
High School Yearbook Picture of Mike
|
George Anthony Laiacona
There are many of you who did not know the real Mickael T. Cunningham. He was my best friend from the fifth grade on! We played chess on a regular basis and took yuker breaks when chess became boring. We did many things together as High School buddies including dating the same girls. WE went to the Recruting station in down town Troy together the took him and sent him off to Viet nam. There he became a Hospital Coreman for the Navy and treated the wounded every day. After 2 and a half yeasr over there he came back aftre being shot uo three times. The scars on his kegs looked loke reai road tracks. I was never taken due to an irregular knee. Once whil visiting me in Lake Gerorg he cashed in his savings bonds and invested in my sign business. When he finally came home from the war I was living in FT Lauderdale. He came directly to my home and automatically had a place to stay. He did all of this for our country and no bank would even give him a loan for an automobile. I had to purchas onr for him. I had no Military connectioin at al. I thought that was not the proper thanks fopr our war veterans. He could go over there and get all shot up but could not qualify for an auto loan. He met the nicest girl, got married and accepted a job as he called it "Jabing needles in mice" in Indiana. We visited a couple of times while I was recouperating from my job accident. Then we lost contact. He was in Vegas once when we lived there. In North Carolina and in South Carolina when we lived there. When my wife died seven years ago he made his presence known. We had some good talks at the 04 reunion and lost touch until the Hurricane Disaster hit my home. He sent notes and money to help me out . He made no mention of being in the VA Hospital. Mike was and will always be a dear friend to me. I will miss him. A Great Man! from george