- Date Of Birth: June 25, 1935
- Date Of Death: August 22, 2015
- State: New Jersey
Robert E. Cunningham, Toms River, NJ June 25, 1935 – August 22, 2015, Robert E. Cunningham died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday after a lengthy illness. He was 80. Robert was born in Brooklyn on June 25, 1935, and raised in Bensonhurst.
He graduated from New Utrecht High School in 1953 and served in the US Navy Reserve. He later joined Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers in Ossining, NY where he was known as Brother Zachary. Robert married Sheila Anne Foley at Our Lady of Refuge Church in the Bronx in 1961. He is survived by his beloved daughters Joanne Foster, of Norwalk, Connecticut; Elizabeth Cunningham, of Brooklyn, NY; Jennifer Cunningham, of Cyprus; Rachel Cunningham and son-in-law, Richard Kitchener, of Hanoi, Vietnam; Sheila Parks and son-in-law Jim Parks, and cherished grandsons Dylan Patrick Parks and Liam Foley Parks, of White Sulphur Springs, NY.
Also surviving are dear friend Lois Sanitate; lifelong friend Frank Flanagan; loving cousins Joan Krebs, Jim Barry, and Arlene Houghtaling; and caring sister-in-law Eileen Foley.
Robert was pre-deceased by his parents Percy O. Cunningham and Ann (Barry) Cunningham and his sister Patricia Price and brother-in-law Eugene Price. A devout Catholic, Robert was a daily communicant at St. Catharine of Siena in Seaside Park and, previously, at St. Justin’s Church in Toms River. Robert served on the New York City Police Dept. at the 60th Precinct in Brooklyn. As a young police officer, he walked the beat on the boardwalk in Coney Island. He joined the New York City Fire Dept. in 1963 and was assigned to Engine Company 34 / Ladder Company 21 in Manhattan. Robert later worked at Rahway State Prison and Ocean County Correctional Facility. Robert was devoted to his large family and many friends. He traveled extensively with his daughters. An avid sports fan, Robert enjoyed playing golf, hockey and basketball. As a boy, he loved going to Ebbets Field. Robert loved classical music and the big band sound. He generously supported Catholic and veterans charities and was a member of American Legion Post 348 in Brick. Robert was adored by many and well known for his kindhearted humor.
