Daniel Cunningham of Absecon, NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends on October 2nd after a long and courageous battle with cancer at the age of 63. Born in Pottsville, PA to John and Alberta Cunningham, he joined the Air Force after high school and served in the Vietnam War. After returning home, he enrolled at Temple University where he earned his engineering degree. It was during his time at Temple that he fell in love with the Jersey Shore and one of its daughters, Martha “Mickey” Ward of Gloucester City, NJ. Thus began a life of love, family, and the beach.
Dan was always happiest when surrounded by family – and as soon as he met you, you were family. Those lucky enough to have met him can attest to his inclusivity and kindness. Those who knew him will always remember his strength, honesty, and courage. Those blessed enough to have loved him will forever regale each other with memories of those days on the beach at Brigantine, summer nights (and mornings) at Maloneys, family vacations, weddings, graduations, and countless moves, renovations, and late night chauffeuring. He strove to improve our lives. He was always there for you – for everybody – for anything. There will forever be a hole in our lives; but in knowing that someone as strong and altruistic as he existed, we will always fight to be better people, friends, family.
Dan was a long time employee of Atlantic City Electric Company, and most recently, PSE&G. Dan is survived by his loving wife, Mickey; daughters Marissa (Nicolas) Castellano and Danielle (Michael) McNulty. His brothers and sisters: Jean (Elmer) Freeze, Marie (Frank) Walsh, Dorothy (James) Kase, John (Martha) Cunningham, Patricia Lowthert, David (Virginia) Cunningham, and Alice (Carlos) Cara; and his brothers and sisters in law, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends. He leaves behind a world that will never shine quite as bright. But when you finally get to those gates, be sure to tell them you know “Dan the Man” – he’ll be there waiting, with a beer and a smile.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Dan’s name to the Life Raft Group.
Arrangements entrusted to and condolences may be left for his family at: adams-perfect.com