Charles Edward Cunningham

It is with heavy hearts that we bid a final farewell to Charles Cunningham, who passed away peacefully at his home in University Heights, Ohio. Charles will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a religious man whose love for his family was boundless. He will be sorely missed.

Charles was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Preston and Annie Lee Cunningham. He grew up in a lively household surrounded by five siblings. A new chapter began when Preston landed a job at Chrysler, and the family moved to Ohio where Charles attended Glenville High School. While in high school he met his best friend and the love of his life, Judy. The pair were inseparable, and it was no surprise when they tied the knot on March 28, 1970. They were married for 52 years.

Taking after his mother, Charles was sensible, direct, and straightforward. He was highly knowledgeable and resourceful. After high school, Charles joined the military. He served in the Marine Corps from 1973 to 1976. Charles later took a job with the City of Cleveland’s Division of Recreation. He rose through the ranks over the years before retiring as Director of Recreation. His family was very proud.

Charles was blessed with a fulfilling home life. He loved being with his wife, especially if it meant going out to try different restaurants (Charles was a foodie!). He also loved spending time with his daughter and two sons. Charles couldn’t have been more delighted when grandchildren came into the picture. He would melt any time one of the five grandkids would call for their ‘Papa.’

An avid sports fan, Charles cheered for all the local teams, including the Cavaliers, Browns, and Guardians. He competed in fencing and played chess, but his main hobby was ping pong. Charles loved to enter ping pong tournaments, and was a strong opponent who knew how to have fun. In his younger years, Charles was a youth basketball coach. He enjoyed watching Westerns and documentaries and listening to all types of music.

Charles is survived by his wife Judy Cunningham, daughter Santosha Martinitis (John), sons Charles Jr. and Antwon Cunningham, sisters Lillie Tripp and Cathy Cowan (James), and brother Gregory Cunningham (Ruth). He leaves behind a sister-in-law; Margaret Butler, a brother-in-law; Eddie Bryant, five grandchildren; Gavin Martinitis, Bryce, Bradin and Mila Cunningham, and Aaliyah Radcliff, as well as a host of relatives and friends.

Charles is preceded by his parents Preston and Annie Lee Cunningham, brothers Preston Jr. and James Cunningham, brothers-in-law James Butler and Carl, John, and Jerry Beverly, and sister-in-law Betty Beverly.

He will be missed terribly by those he leaves behind but the memories of his kindness and cool laidback nature will also brighten our days forever.