Richard Cunningham

Richard David Cunningham passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, February 2nd, 2026, with his wife and daughters at his bedside.

He courageously fought a four-year battle with lung cancer, enduring chemotherapy and radiation without complaint.

Rich was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, beloved brother, father and brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend.

Richard was born in Lynn, Massachusetts to William J. Cunningham and Emma L. (Collier) on February 26, 1947. The birth of his sister Gail and brother Robert soon followed and the whole family, including Emma's two sisters, Charlotte and Ella, all moved to the big white 3-family home on 484 Salem St, in Wakefield, MA. The big house was soon filled with the sounds of love and laughter of siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Rich had many stories to tell of the antics of he and his brother Bob, including throwing knives at each other, shooting each other with BB guns, burying cars in the yard, and playing with cherry bombs. His time there helped to cement his lifelong dedication to his family, above all else, but also to Pepsi and Miracle Whip. He loved his childhood there and spoke of it often and fondly.

Richard moved to South Florida and initially sold cars in the late 60s before joining the Hollywood Police Department in 1973. Out of lifetime of experiences and accomplishments, Richard was most proud of his time on the Police Department. He made lifelong friends on the department, and in more recent years enjoyed attending the annual Police reunions. His police stories were continually entertaining, and he would tell them, loudly, to anyone that would listen. Literally, anyone. No one could tell a story like Rich could.

Rich was an accomplished amateur photographer and received several awards for his pictures in local competitions. He could be spotted at any family get together, sporting event, or local attraction with a big Nikon camera around his neck. He was a history buff, car guy, gun enthusiast, seasoned outdoorsman, NASCAR fan, yearly Sebring visitor, football expert, and always had an answer to any question you could ask, even if the information he gave you wasn't always accurate. He was an avid reader and in recent years was continuously listening to audiobooks through his "Bluetooth hearing aids," especially when you would try to have a conversation with him. He could frequently be heard uttering one of his signature words or phrases such as: "Evidently," "You wanna read a good book?" "You know what amazes me...?" "That's the way the old tootsie rolls," and "Jesus Jackie!"

New Hampshire was one of his favorite places to go, and we have many great memories of camping at Big Rock Campground and driving the beautiful Kancamagus Highway. His heart was as big as his laugh and anyone that met him liked him.

Rich is survived by his wife Jackie, of 46 yrs, his son, Sean, daughters Kristin and Allison, and seven grandchildren: Robin, Colton, Donovan, Aydin, Kaia, Isaiah, and Elias. He will be lovingly remembered by his brother Robert and sister Gail, daughter in law Shannon Cunningham, sons in law Aaron Lamb and Lance Merritt, sisters in law Judith Cunningham and Gail and Anita Lem, and his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

His family would love to hear about your memories of Rich and invite you to post on the online guestbook at the McDonald Funeral Home website in Wakefield, MA. www.mcdonaldfs.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Stone Zoo in his name, where Richard loved to take his grandchildren.