Daniel Cunningham

28 août, 1929 - 16 août, 2017

Biographie


Daniel Joseph Cunningham passed away on August 16, 2017 at home in East Granby, CT. He was born Aug 28, 1929 in Pittsburgh, PA of Genevieve (nee Angelo) and Daniel Joseph Cunningham Sr. He graduated from Westinghouse High School in Pittsburgh and graduated with a BS in Engineering from Carnegie Tech. Later in life he also graduated as an RN from Hartford Capital Community College and earned an Associates Degree in Biblical Studies from Fayetteville Seminary, Fayetteville NC.

He started his career at Hagen Controls in Pittsburgh; then worked for Simmler and Sengstaken in New York City; Combustion Engineering in Windsor Locks, CT; Hartford Hospital, CT; Julian T. Pierce Health Center, Pembroke, NC; and Scotland Memorial Hospital, Laurinburg, NC.

Dan enjoyed farming for many years in Granby, Connecticut on Barndoor Hills Farm. Dan and Polly left part of the land to the Granby Land Trust for others to enjoy. He also enjoyed canoeing, archery, motorcycling, early electric cars, and playing the violin and mandolin.

Dan volunteered for many organizations including a wide variety of Hartford County 4H programs. He was part of the initial team that developed the ‘Auer Farm’ 4H orchard and had a special interest in raising sheep and goats throughout his life. He had a passion for promoting literacy and was trained in, and trained others in two systems: Literacy Volunteers of America and Laubach Literacy. He was very active in literacy in Pembroke, NC and especially at Pembroke and Union Elementary Schools in Pembroke, NC.

He was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Lutheran Church in Simsbury, CT and enjoyed the fellowship of Pembroke Gospel Chapel while in Pembroke, NC.

Dan is survived by his wife of 64 years, Pauline (nee Dixon); his brother George James and wife Donna and family; Brother-in law Dave Dixon, his wife Amy and family. He will be greatly missed by his children: Scott and his wife Carol, Susan and her husband Guido, Judy and her husband Marc, Karen and her husband John, Gwynne and her husband Bill, Brian and his wife Joanna, and Alan and his wife Michele. He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren: Kathryn, Daniel, Lucy, Simon, Elliot, Nathan, Nicole, Victoria, Jennifer, John, Angela, Rebecca, James, Madelyn, Joseph and Samuel; and great grandchildren: Logan, Madison, and Amelia. Dan will also be remembered fondly by his neighbors and friends from the many communities he has called home.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dan’s caregivers; Jodi, Devin, Kristin, Maxine, Juni, Jeff, Olivia, and Hafiza.

The family would also like to thank Dr. Kathleen Mueller and Dr. Jane Walker for the exceptional care they gave Dan during his last few years.

A celebration of Dan’s life will be held later in the year. Photos can be seen by clicking "mementos" at the top of this page. They are small, due to the limitations of this website. You can see full-size, high-quality versions by visiting- https://goo.gl/photos/zF96pyK3PV3byVmF8

Please share your memories, condolences, stories, and photos by scrolling to the bottom of this page and clicking the box that says "write a condolence" in it. If you'd like to share a photo, you can do that once you click in the box (select "share a photo"- a blue button which will pop up on the right once you've clicked on the text box.)

The family will be monitoring this page and sharing memories, photos, and messages with Polly.

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Famille

À propos de

Nom Daniel Cunningham
Date de naissance 28 août, 1929
Date de décès 16 août, 2017
Ville natale Pittsburgh, PA, US 
Autre ville East Granby, CT, US 
Dicton préféré "There's no such word as can't"

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Angela a publié un hommage .

Judy, We are so sorry to hear about your dad passing. We just found out. You were the best help and support for him and your mom. I know he won't forget it.
Angela (Schoenrock Office)

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Jeff P a publié un hommage .

I worked with Dan as one of his caregiver's for awhile and also got to know his immediate family. He gave so much to help other people throughout his life and he and Polly created an awesome family! I wish I could have known him years ago but am grateful to have met and spent the time I did with him. I was touched by his love and kindness, and generosity towards others. And his sense of humor! We had a lot of laughs while working together. Great memories!

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Amelia Rugland a publié un hommage .

Dear Polly and family, We just read of Dan's passing in the Granby Drummer and send our heartfelt sympathy to all of you. We have so many wonderful memories of times we shared at church, on your beautiful farm, and our beloved Granby. What a blessing to have you and Dan as friends.. May God bring you Peace in his promise of eternal life and the comfort of friends and family. With love, Milly and Walt

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Sara Curtis Haywood a publié un hommage .

I had to let a little time pass before I said something about this incredible man. I needed to meander through my memories and find my fondest ones………..I spent a lot of time at Barndoor Hills Farm as a child and beyond. Dan, (though always Mr. Cunningham to me) was a patient and kind Father, Teacher and Mentor. He was always soft spoken, yet no one, even visiting hooligans, ever questioned his soft spoken authority. He taught us a lot about the farm. About sheep, and chickens, and cows. I learned that fresh eggs are the best, that you can’t catch a sheep in an open pasture, and that you can run faster and jump a fence quicker when a ram is at you heels. I also learned that I don’t like milk straight out of the cow, I prefer mine ice cold and pasteurized, lol. There was a lot of real learning too, about the running and maintenance of a farm. There were lots of early mornings and late nights if an animal was sick or giving birth. There were Bible verses, quiet talks, and his mandolin. He talked about always doing your best, even if you failed, and about never quitting. He encouraged us all to follow our dreams, however distant they might seem. There were hayrides and barn parties. It was the most innocent kind of homespun fun that most children these days will never experience. There were no halos on any of us, but Mr. C did not make judgements nor criticize. I’d like to think, maybe, we pulled the wool over his eyes (pun intended) a couple of times, but probably not! Polly (always Mrs. Cunningham to me) and Dan were a united front. There was cooking and baking, and chores even if friends were over (that would be me). There were names on the laundry shelves! ……..I remember when Dan left his career at Combustion to attend nursing school, a perfect example of “follow your dreams”. This was his calling and I’m sure all of the patients he cared for were sure he made the perfect choice. I will miss you my dear Mr. Cunningham, you surely left a happy, indelible mark on my l

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Judy Cunningham Latonie a publié un hommage .

When people asked if they could make a donation to honor Dad’s memory, we struggled to think of a charity that would embody Dad’s spirit. There were so many things that mattered greatly to him – his faith, his family, education, literacy, and the environment – to name a few. Then we realized we would be missing the point.
Dad would have approached the question much differently. He would have asked us to instead think of a cause that we felt passionately about and find a way to make a difference.
He lived this philosophy throughout his life as a husband, father, friend, mentor, tutor, and volunteer. He even found a way to continue giving after his death by donating his body to science. He is even now continuing to teach young medical students at Quinnipiac University’s Frank H. Netter School of medicine.
So, in the true spirit of Dan Cunningham, find a way to “pay it forward” with a cause that matters to you and makes the world a better place. That way, in you and the work that you do, our Dad is still here! And for that, we are eternally grateful.
The Cunninghams – Polly, Scott, Susan, Judy, Karen, Gwynne, Brian, Alan and families.

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Greg Haggett a publié un hommage .

I worked with Dan for many years at Combustion Engineering. At his going away party from C-E, I stated that he was the most Christ-like person that I had ever worked with. I meant it then and I mean it now, many years later.

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Linda King a publié un hommage .

My condolences to the Cunningham family. I just saw this today and it brought lots of memories of the Granby Farm I visited with my Ex-husband Marvin (Jack) King who was once one of Dan's little Campers. I remember the baby outfit Dan and Polly sent when we had our son Miles. Seems so long ago. Rest in peace Mr. Cunningham.

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Judy Cunningham Latonie a publié un hommage .

“You don’t know that I can’t. You haven’t let me try.”
My Dad has been gone for nearly a week but it is just now becoming a reality. I spent the first few days making calls to family, Social Security, Doctors and Pension offices. That has been my role for the past few years – handling the logistics necessary to keep Dad here safely and comfortably at my home and keeping family in the loop as Dad’s health declined. So, naturally, that is where my brain went. Making lists of things to do – return medical equipment, contact social services, cancel subscriptions, etc. The problem now is the list is almost done. Growing up, my Dad wouldn’t allow us to use the word “can’t.” All seven children in my family delighted in ratting each other out when someone said that word. It must have had an influence on me because, at least in my own mind, I truly believe there is very little I can’t do. Many of you knew my Dad but for those who didn’t I have to tell you it will be impossible to tell you who he was. Immediately following his death, I started an online photo album that can show some of the things he did but it would never explain the man behind those actions. https://goo.gl/photos/zF96pyK3PV3byVmF8 What kind of man moves his young family to a rundown farm in Granby when all he knew as a boy was Pittsburgh city life? What kind of man takes an early retirement from a job as a mechanical engineer to go back to school to become a registered nurse? What kind of man relocates to a faraway place where he knows no one because he thinks he might be able to help the people there? What kind of man goes back to school yet again to get a degree in Biblical studies at a seminary? My dad, that’s who.

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Judy Cunningham Latonie a publié un hommage .

I have had the great privilege of having my mom and dad live with me for the past few years. My husband, Marc, welcomed my parents as his own and remodeled and made accessible, first the little house by the road and then our own house so that my parents could stay with us. Each new accommodation made it possible for my Dad to remain as active as possible, doing the things he loved, for as long as possible. How many goat barns do you know of that have handicap grab bars on the inside and out so that dad could still feed his goats? It has truly been an amazing gift to have them here.
I have learned a lot from my dad as he courageously dealt with his steady decline. A lesser man would have been severely depressed. My dad never lost his sense of humor or his ability to remain hopeful. He constantly challenged me to think of ways he could still do things even though he had lost the use of his left hand and was unable to walk. If I ever uttered the idea that he might be asking to do something that was beyond his current ability, he would say, “You don’t know that I can’t! You haven’t let me try.” And I have to admit, he was often capable of more that I imagined!
I love you Dad, and will miss you.

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Jeff Latyak a publié un hommage .

Thru-out my life, I didn't spend that much time with Dan, but I always enjoyed his company when I was with him. Wonderful memories of you, Dan, & proud to call you my Cousin! My deepest condolences to his family! RIP Cousin Dan!

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Nancy Gates a publié un hommage .

I take comfort in knowing that Dan, his life on earth long and incredibly rich, was ready for the next phase of his journey.

I am also so grateful for Dan's -- and his family’s, -- loving presence in my life.

There were many great things for me about growing up in the Granbys. One of the best was getting to know the Cunninghams. I probably spent more time at Barndoor Hills Farm than I did at my own house. The Cunninghams were a second family to me; Dan a wise father figure I very much needed. (My dad died young.)

Dan Cunningham personified "Goodness". Whatever I have learned about love, patience, grace, and kindness, I learned mostly from the Cunninghams. That all began with Dan and Polly: two very beautiful souls blessed to have found each other young, and smart enough to have treasured each other eternally.

Polly, Scott, Susan, Judy, Karen, Gwynne, Brian, Alan: thanks for sharing Dan with so many of us. You're the greatest friends my family ever had.

Photo: Thanksgiving 1988: Dan, Guido, Susan

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Rosemarie & Gary Anderson a publié un hommage .

Scott - we are very sorry to hear for your Dad's passing. I will always remember days on your Barndoor Hills Road farm. I particularly 'enjoyed' tossing hay bales! Not! You, Carol, your Mom, brothers and sisters will be in our thoughts and prayers. Your friends Rosemarie and Gary.

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Karen Crosset Welch a publié un hommage .

I have many fond memories of Mr. Cunningham; he was influential to many people in his consistency of kindness. He was my grade school Sunday School teacher, and demonstrated his patience with my class every Sunday! I recall the many church picnics held on the farm with such great fondness- the Cunninghams were so welcoming, and we always learned a little something about goats. My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Cunningham and the family in this time of sadness.

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Carla And Ugo Bertocci a publié un hommage .

We met Dan when his daughter Susan married our son Guido. We had occasion to visit him during the following years. We always admired his dedication, his active participation in many good causes and his sensitivity to the needs of other people. His example will be always with us. We mourn his loss, but the wonderful memories collected during his lifetime shall be celebrated and be of confort to his family. Our heartfelt condolences to his wife Pauline, children and relatives.

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Juni Burts a publié un hommage .

I would like to share my deepest condolences. Dan and Polly were truly a power couple. They've accomplished so much in life and have many stories to tell. I admired the both of them for the love and passion they have of helping others! They've raised seven children of their own into respectable adults and also managed to help those outside of their own family. They have always given back to their community and was always involved ! Truly amazing and inspiring power couple who cultivated and nurture their friendships despite being many miles away! Nothing but positive energy being around Dan. I was his caregiver for some time and his goal was to see that I be on my way in my education towards a degree in nursing! He was my mentor and Polly tutored me! I thank the both of them very much. You couldn't have Polly without Dan or Dan without Polly. The both of them are to truly be remembered in every way!

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Maxine Burts a publié un hommage .

Mr. Dan was a great man. I worked for Mr. Dan as his care giver. My fondest memory of Mr. Dan was when we would wash are hands at the sink. I would put soap in his right hand then I would clasp my hands around his and start to rub them togeather over his hand. Mr. Dan would look at me and say while speading open his fingers" Look, my hand is no different than yours, yeah the color is diffent but we are the same ". Then he would look at me and say I love you, and I would say love ya back.

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Lois Mccormick a publié un hommage .

The Peace of Christ be with you dear family. We give great thanks for Dan. He touched so many lives. I took his Laubach Literacy class and then tutored children who were struggling with reading. You will never know how far and wide his kindness reaches.

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Ruth Oxendine Hurnevich a publié un hommage .

I enjoyed getting to know Dan and Pollly. I admired them in many-many ways. They worked so hard to help children to read and and show an example to be Christ like. I have so many precious memories even thou I only visitied with them when I would return to Pembroke on vacation. The years they lived there made a big positive impact. In which we will always cherish.

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Jennifer Milanese, Joanna's Sister a publié un hommage .

My deepest condolences to the Cunningham family, sending love and prayers to all of you in this time of need. Xx

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Bonnie Zacharias a publié un hommage .

Dan was a gentle and beloved member of our Prayer Team, who had a loving prayer for the world-wide disasters as well as the prayer for a sick or troubled child. The world lost a beautiful man yesterday.

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Susan Cunningham Bertocci a publié un hommage .

I usually just watch Facebook, but I wanted to thank people for their pictures and kind words about my dad, Daniel Cunningham, who died on Wednesday morning. We're showing my mom, Polly, and she's really enjoying them.

My dad was a determined and optimistic man. One of our family's early stories tells of my dad, when in college at Carnegie Tech, going to sit on Polly's front porch in Pittsburgh with Polly's mom, Marie Dixon. Polly was out on a date with another guy. When Polly and her date arrived back at the house, she angrily asked why he was there. He said he was just visiting with her mother. Determined and optimistic. :) #MyPolly

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