Thomas J.

Cunningham

One Of Newtown Ambulance’s

Earliest Drivers

Thomas J. Cunningham, 92, of Newtown, died at Danbury Hospital December 1. His loving wife Eleanor (Astegher) Cunningham died exactly two years to the day on December 1, 2005, only six months shy of their 70th wedding anniversary. Mr Cunningham was born in New York City on October 4, 1915, to James and Elizabeth (Moran) Cunningham.

After graduating from Catholic grammar and high schools, an accomplishment at that time, he married on June 21, 1936. Mr Cunningham served in the US Navy during World War II.

He worked as a manager for Schraffts Restaurants throughout New York City and Boston. After Schraffts closed its doors, he was a manager for Rockefeller Center in New York City.

He was a communicant and longtime usher at St Rose of Lima Church and was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Mr Cunningham was a former member of the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire Department and was one of the earliest drivers for the Newtown Ambulance Association.

Mr Cunningham was an avid fan of the New York Giants and attended home games well into his 80s. He loved painting, ceramics, and sports. But foremost, he was loved and was loved in return by his family and his many, many friends.

He will be greatly missed by his four children, Ellen Klaus of Newtown, Thomas J. Cunningham, Jr, and his wife, Caroline, of Woodside, N.Y., Catherine Geoghegon and her husband, Richard, of Bethel, and Richard Cunningham and his wife, Kathleen, of Stony Point, N.Y.; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Elizabeth Holzer of New York City and a brother, Edward, of New Jersey. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, James and Vincent, and his son-in-law, Bernhard Klaus.

Funeral services were held December 5 from the Honan Funeral Home, Newtown, and in St Rose of Lima Church for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment followed in Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, 405 Main Street, Danbury CT 068120; or to St Rose of Lima Church Building Fund, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470; or to Newtown Meals on Wheels, PO Box 122, Newtown CT 06470.

The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff at the Praxair Cancer Center, especially Dr John Pezzimenti, Christine, Annette, Liz, and Lynn; the staff of 11 East at Danbury Hospital; and his very special caregivers, Linda and Christa from Hospice.

The Newtown Bee        December 7, 2007