Anthony Cunningham

Anthony "Tony" Cunningham, was born on November 9, 1955, at Mount Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, to Hattie and James Cunningham. His legacy continues through three generations, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

He gave his life to Christ at an early age and became a lifelong member of the Temple Baptist Church. Tony has always had a passion for learning and exploration. While he was known to call himself "Tony," he embraced a simple lifestyle filled with adventure in books, particularly enjoying National Geographic, Highlights, comic books, and Saturday morning cartoons. 

He attended Dunham and Lafayette Elementary Schools, Audubon Junior High, and graduated from John Adams High School in 1973, proudly part of the "Rebels For Life." 

In 1975, Tony bravely joined the Army, where he served as a Radar Air Traffic Control Technician, skillfully landing planes despite his fear of heights. His service included stints in New Jersey, Colorado, Arizona, and Germany, and he was honorably discharged as a proud Vietnam War veteran in 1978. 

Subsequent to his military service, Tony worked in maintenance following in his father's footsteps. He was known as the family handyman. He had a knack for HVAC, plumbing and electronics, often taking them apart and putting them back together, with varying degrees of success. He was employed by Crittendon Court in Property Management for over a decade until his retirement in 2019. 

A devoted sports fan, Tony had an unwavering love for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Browns, supporting them through thick and thin. His musical tastes were equally diverse, spanning from hard rock to gospel, with John P. Kee being his favorite. 

Tony was an extraordinarily intelligent man who was often underestimated. He took immense pride in the accomplishments of his daughters often proclaiming, "I'm smarter than I look." He would never argue or debate how much he knew, he would just look at you and allow you to grapple with the idea that when it came to fruition, he would be right. 

Tony cherished his family and community, serving as a custodian at his church, where he recently undertook projects like installing new sockets and switches. He shared countless memories with his siblings and second cousins, who felt like siblings to him. 

He had a deep love for God and made a choice to give selflessly never seeking anything in return. He often reminisced about his time across the pond in Germany. The sights, sounds and scenery. On that fateful Saturday morning, Tony slipped across the pond quietly, embodying the soldier he was. He departed this life peacefully on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the age of 68. 

Tony was predeceased by his father, James Cunningham; his grandparents; his brother: Gregory Cunningham; his aunt: Margaret Taylor; and uncle: Charles E. Lee. 

Left with cherished memories is his beloved mother: Hattie Cunningham; his precious daughters: Mayia, Shae-Lyce, Dr. Shakari, Sanaia, and his bonus daughter, Shatoree; four granddaughters: Myrie, Ronee, Valerie, Tyayia; three siblings: Pastors Lula (John) Baker of West Orange, NJ, Elbert Cunningham of Cleveland, OH and Yulonda (George) Williams of Cleveland, OH; one aunt: Henrietta Kearse; first cousin: Kolin Kearse, lifelong friends: Carlos Greer, Gary Harris, and Kim Ferguson, and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A public viewing will be October 11, 2024, 3:00PM to 5:00PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH. A Celebration Of Life will be held on October 12, 2024. 9:30AM Wake and 10:00AM Service at Temple Baptist Church, 1862 Noble Road, East Cleveland, OH. The interment will take place on October 14, 2024, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on Anthony's tribute wall.