Duane J. Cunningham

Duane J. Cunningham, 85, born July 21, 1925, passed away peacefully at home on November 4, 2010 under the loving care of his beloved wife, Vincenzia and family following a long illness. Born in Troy, son of the late John and Pansy (Gross) Cunningham, he attended Lansingburgh High School, graduated from HVCC with a degree in Mechanical and Architectural Drafting, RPI with a degree in Plumbing design. He also worked for Youmans Dairy in 1953 as a milkman. He was a member of the NYS Army National Guard for 14 years, and held the rank master Sgt., and worked 37 years for the N.Y.S.O.G.S. Dept. Design/construction group where he rose to the level of assistant plumbing engineer. While there he served as a grievance chairman for C.S.E.A.. After retiring he volunteered for the Red Cross as a driver and a life long blood donor of 11 gallons. He was an active member of the Colonie Elks club for 36 years. Duane was an avid barber shop singer and a member of many choruses and quartets of the Albany, Schenectady Chapter; he was also a member of the American Italian Heritage Association. He participated in competitive roller skating. He won a 2nd place medal in 1945 at the NYS Amateur Roller Skating Championships in pairs skating. He also enjoyed many hobbies, bicycling, x-country skiing, hiking and tinkering.

He is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife, Vinnie of 57 years, his four children; Gary (Amy) Cunningham, Susan (William) Oliva, Andrew (Grace) Cunningham and Daniel Cunningham. He is the loving grandfather of, Keith, Jenna, Angela, Kiera, Sean and Ryan. He is the loving brother of Gloria (Donald) Wilson and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He will be greatly missed for his wisdom, antics and sense of humor. Many thanks to the Community Hospice workers for all of their care during this difficult time.

Funeral services will be Monday at 1pm at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie. Calling hours will be Sunday from 6 to 8 at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the community hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd. Albany, NY 12205 or to the Alzheimer's association, Northeastern New York Pine West Plaza, Bldg. 4, suite 405 Washington Ave. Ext. Albany, NY 12205-5515 in Duane's honor.