Richard R. Cunningham

Richard R. Cunningham (Richie) of New City, NY passed away on July 13, 2018 with his loving family by his side, three days after celebrating his 80th birthday. Richie was born July 10th, 1938 in Manhattan, NY to Irish immigrants Anne Crehan and John Cunningham. After graduating from Taft High School in 1956, he proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960. Richie was a proud member of the NYPD from 1964 to 1984, working in the 41st, 28th and 47th precincts. After retiring from the police department, he moved on to a security position at Fordham University in the Bronx from 1984 to 2005. Many people remember Richie as the friendly face greeting them upon arrival at the front gate.

Richie married Gertrude (Trudy) Lavery, on February 20, 1965. They settled in New City, NY in 1967 where they raised four children. Richie is survived by his devoted children, Maryann Ruck (Mike), Patricia (Trish) Ranney (Ed), Richard T. Cunningham and Robert Cunningham (Claudine), adoring grandchildren, Briana, Ashley, Olivia and Ryan Cunningham, Cassandra Arbuco, Thomas and Jenna Ranney, two great grandchildren, Aidan and Amelia Perez, and brothers Jack (Margaret), Jimmy (Cookie) and Michael. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Florence (Florie) Mauro (Jimmy).

Richie’s greatest joy was his family. He loved taking the kids to Rockland Lake and Haverstraw Park, watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports, and sharing his love of gardening with his family. He loved family summer barbecues and Sunday breakfasts. For 50 years, Richie was a season ticketholder of the NY Giants and enjoyed tailgating with his sons, grandsons, and friends in section 4H. Richie has been active his entire life, running and biking around Rockland Lake and walking at Haverstraw Bay Park. He enjoyed great company, good conversation and many laughs with his breakfast buddies at Hogan’s Diner. Richie looked forward to weekly poker games, Saturday night masses, and gatherings at the American Legion. He was an active member of West Nyack II Seniors’ Club where he enjoyed spending time with childhood and community friends, and a proud member of Rockland County Shields, St. Augustine’s Church, and the American Legion. He looked forward to annual 47th precinct picnics and Christmas parties. Richie Cunningham had a blessed life; he was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 17th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home, 321 South Main St., New City, NY 10956. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, July 18th at 10:00 am at St. Augustine’s Church, 140 maple Ave, New City, NY 10956. A Christian burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery, 650 Saddle River Road, Monsey, NY 10952.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to The Wounded Warrior Project or to William McCue’s GoFundMe page.