Distinguished U.S. Army veteran, Recipient of the Purple Heart
OAKVILLE – Mr. James Patrick Cunningham, age 90 formerly of Oakville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in Boynton Beach, Florida on January 3, 2023.
James was born in Waterbury, CT on September 17, 1932, the first son of the late James and Gladys (Eastwood) Cunningham. He attended local schools both Sprague and Wilby and enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country in the Korean War. His most distinguished service included him being award the prestigious Purple Heart. Following his discharge James worked as an appliance repair man, and a machinist at Oakville Pin, Division of Scovill, and in later years he worked for Risdon before his retirement. James enjoyed watching football and cheering on his Pittsburg Steelers. He loved horses, fishing and swimming in the pool in Florida. He will be greatly missed by all those who were blessed to know and love him.
Left to honor his legacy and cherish his memory, are his children; Janice Borg and husband Dana, Donna Tartaglia and husband David, James P. Cunningham Jr., Marianne Macchi and her husband Philip. He also leaves 8 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. James leaves behind his sister, Patricia (Cunningham) Lafferty, along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his youngest son, Steven Thomas Cunningham, his siblings; Jaqueline Robbins, Gladys (Schneider) Hart, and George Thomas Cunningham, and his former wife, Margaret Cocchiola.
Funeral services for Mr. Cunningham will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Magdalen Church, Holy Disciples Parish, 2 Buckingham Street, Oakville, CT. Those planning to attend are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial with full military honors will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Watertown. Friends and Relatives may visit with the Cunningham family on Thursday evening from 5:00 pm until 8:00pm at the Casey - O’Neill Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 742 Main Street, Oakville. Loving-kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at
www.caseyfunerals.com
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