Obituary of Roy B. Cunningham

It is with sadness to announce the passing of Roy Blackwood Cunningham, 83, husband, father, brother, grandpa, great grandpa, and coach. A New Britain native for over 60 years, he was employed at Royal Typewriter Company for 21 years. He also worked at A & A Office in West Hartford where he retired in 1991. He was born in Eastport, Maine, son of the late Henrietta Blackwood (Cunningham) Cleland and his predeceased father Roy, and predeceased by his sister Patricia Cleland Clark. Roy was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Daly Council, where he was an active officer and a life member. He was also a dedicated officer in the Ancient Order of Hibernians and was named Man of the year in 1997. He was well known as an avid Red Sox fan and loved the game of baseball. He coached Fagan-Walicki Little League (Giants) and was also Coach of St. Joseph's Mangan League. He was proud of his connection with all these young men, and very proud of having won 3 Championships with St. Joseph's (1967-68-69). He spoke highly of all of the players and the way they all grew up to be fine young men. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Lou (Suchecki) Cunningham, and his children, R. Gary Cunningham and wife Janet (Golebiewski), and daughter, Ashley Elizabeth and predeceased infant son Brett. Dr. Gail (Cunningham) Gilmore and her husband Thomas Gilmore and son Matthew and daughter Lauren. Michael Cunningham and wife Mary (Tucciarone) and son Michael, and daughter Ashley Margaret. Robert Cunningham and daughters, Kelly and Catherine, and grandchildren, Julianne, and Alexis. Lori (Ciezynski) (Perillo) Cunningham and sons, Ryan Ciezynski, Michael Perillo, and predeceased infant daughter Erica Perillo. Catherine (Cunningham) Klett and sons David and Joseph Blackwood. Roy hopes to see Bob Marsh (predeceased), a cherished family friend so they can continue their many conversations about sports topics, specifically baseball. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the VNA, Connecticut Community Care, and Grove Hill Clinic for their tender care and encouragement. A final thank you to Ledgecrest Home and its warm staff especially Lucie and Elvis. Their care was exceptional in his time of need. Thank you one and all. In closing, "May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand." The Irish Blessing Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10:30 AM at the Farrell Funeral Home, 110 Franklin Sq., New Britain with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM at St. Joseph Church, 195 South Main St., New Britain. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 3-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mangan League, c/o The New Britain Parks and Recreation Dept., 27 West Main St, Room 302, New Britain, CT 06051.