William "Bill" Cunningham

William Francis Cunningham was born May 15, 1927 on the kitchen table of his grandmother’s home, or so the story goes. He was the second son of Joseph Solomon and Catherine (Bennet) Cunningham. The multigeneration family lived together on Morse Street in the Trinidad neighborhood of our Nation’s Capital, until moving to Cheverly in 1950. William, or Bill, Billy or Willy, to his family and friends attended St. John’s College High School and graduated early in order to serve our country at the end of World War II. Bill was stationed at Camp Stoneman in California for 16 out of the 18 months he served in the Army. Upon returning to DC after his discharge, Bill became a draftsman, a craft he worked hard at until his retirement in 1992.

Bill was a much-loved man, enjoyed many pastimes, and shared so much with others. A member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Cheverly, Bill was a part of the Men’s Club, the church bowling league, and the church softball team. He coached a girls’ basketball team and other youth sports. He was a founding member of the Cheverly swim club and served on its board for a time. Bill could be seen on walks through the neighborhood everyday and would greet you with a smile and a “Hello Neighbor”. He kept that joyous greeting up even when he moved to Arbor Terrace in 2022.

Bill loved making things with his hands. He was an accomplished carpenter. He made model airplanes, furniture, and bird houses, among other projects at his workshop in the basement of his home. He also loved his home garden, and grew vegetables for many years at a community garden in Cheverly. He was lovingly known for his annual Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl Football Pool, that the family looked forward to each year. He was an avid history lover and genealogist. He leaves behind a plethora of family history for the next generation to learn.

Bill also enjoyed travel. Traveling to the beach and eating seafood was what he did often. He had a condo at the ocean that he shared with his family anytime they requested. When he no longer could climb the steps to his condo, he could at least enjoy the seafood and requested a crab cake anytime he was asked what he would like for supper. He was a season ticket holder of his beloved Redskins for many years up until a few years after their move to Landover, Maryland.

Bill will be missed by all his neighbors but especially by his family. A much-loved man with a heart of gold leaves behind his sister, Mary Cora Velky, 10 nephews and nieces, 15 great nephews and nieces, and 11 great-great nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A., 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029.  A funeral service will also be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 28 at 10:30 am.  Interment will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20906.  

Please consider making a donation in William's name to St. Ambrose Catholic Church HERE.