Lawrence J. Cunningham

Lawrence Joseph (Larry) Cunningham, 79, of Merritt Island, FL, formerly of Essex Fells, N.J., went home to the Lord on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on November 12th, 1930 to the late Thomas and Helen Cunningham of North Arlington, N.J. Larry graduated from Queen of Peace High School and from Rutgers University. He served his nation proudly during the Korean War as a platoon commander with the Fifth Regimental Combat Team (5th RCT). During his combat tour as an infantry officer he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Silver Star. Before his retirement Larry owned and operated companies as an electrical contractor in the Essex County, N.J. area and served as a member of the Essex Fells Fire Department. He was also an associate professor at the Palm Beach Community College in Palm Beach, Florida. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Thomas and Helen Cunningham, Ensign Thomas Cunningham of North Arlington, N.J., and a sister, Eileen Garrison of Gainesville, FL. Larry is survived by two sisters, Patricia Powell of Sun City, FL, Cecilia Singerline of Tucson, AZ, three sons, Jeffrey B. Cunningham of Ocean City, N.J.; Gregory Scott Cunningham of Bridgeton, NC; LtCol. Jon Craig Cunningham, USMC (Ret), of Viera, FL.; and seven grandchildren. He will be laid to rest on Monday, April 12th, with full military honors at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to: Freedom Alliance (Leadership Academy) 22570 Markey Court, Suite 240 Dulles, Virginia 20166