Orville W. Cunningham

Orville Webber Cunningham, 95, of Manchester, died Friday December 7, 2018 following a period of declining health. He was the husband of Doris (Stiller) Cunningham, who died in September 2007. Mr. Cunningham was born July 11, 1923 in Exeter, New Hampshire, the son of Edward and Priscilla (Thayer) Cunningham.
He worked as a cabinet maker for Hermsdorf Fixture Manufacturing Co. in Manchester, and was a 66 year member of Carpenters Union Local 118. In his younger years, Mr. Cunningham was active in Gethsemane Lutheran Church serving as a Deacon. During World War II, Orville served 2 ½ years as a Corporal in the Army Air Force and was stationed in Bari, Italy.
Mr. Cunningham is survived by a son, William (Bill) Cunningham and daughter-in-law Denise Cunningham of Gilford, NH. He is also survived by granddaughters Lynne Stiller of Pembroke, NH and Jill Cunningham of Manchester, NH, and great-grandchildren Alexea Grabas, Autumn Grabas, and Chase Furman. He is pre-deceased by a son, Robert Cunningham, a twin sister Gwendolyn Hargreaves, and 2 brothers, Calvin and Alan Cunningham.
Orville was a dedicated husband and father, and enjoyed gardening, camping, swimming, playing hockey, rollerblading and spending time at his "53 Acre forest" in Dunbarton, NH. Along with his wife Doris, he hosted many dinner parties for friends and family, and in later years, hosted families from Korea and Vietnam who had recently immigrated to Manchester, to help them learn English and assimilate into our community. "Dad" will be remembered by many for his happy disposition and his great kindness.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and personnel at St. Teresa's Rehabilitation Center for their excellent health care, and for surrounding Orville with friendly good humor during his last years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Teresa's, 519 Bridge St., Manchester NH in support of resident activities.
Services: There will be no calling hours at Orville's request. A funeral will be held Monday December 17 at 10:30 am, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 65 Sagamore St. in Manchester, followed by burial next to his wife and son in Pine Grove Cemetery in Manchester. Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium in in charge of arrangements. For more information or to sign an on-line guest book, go to www.phaneuf.net