Dudley 'Dud' Cunningham

Dudley “Dud” Cunningham, 84, of New Ipswich NH passed away at Cheshire Medical Center on January 14, 2021, surrounded by his family.

Dud was born on November 19, 1936 in Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania to Helen Evans and James “Jake” Cunningham. He attended Reynoldsville High school where he excelled in football and basketball. Dud graduated from Reynoldsville high school in 1954. He then joined the Air Force shortly after and was honorably discharged in 1958. Dud attended Dean Junior College before transferring to the University of New Hampshire where he graduated with a Business Degree.

Dud traveled the country with his career in sales. He enjoyed his trips and loved to share stories of all the places he had visited.

Dud met his wife Jeanne while working together at Norton Company in Worcester, MA. Dudley and Jeanne were married in 1971 and were happily married for 49 years. They enjoyed sailing, time on the beach, playing racket ball and tennis together.

Dud was an incredible husband and father that truly enjoyed his time with his family. They loved to go on camping trips and enjoyed the outdoors together, from gardening, to chopping wood, his girls were always by his side ready for a new adventure. He had an amazing sense of humor and the gift of story telling. He was sure to captivate his audience wherever he went, even if they had heard the story a time or two before. Dud held time with family above all else. For him, there was nothing more important.

Dud was an avid sports enthusiast. He loved playing, coaching and mentoring. He started coaching his daughters in youth basketball. He quickly got the coaching bug and became assistant coach of the Women’s basketball team at New England College where he had so many fond memories. He ended his coaching career as head coach of Mascenic Girls Varsity basketball team. On top of his love for coaching he enjoyed reading, sailing, car racing and aviation.

In addition to his loving wife, Jeanne (Lavallee) Cunningham, Dud leaves behind his daughters, Janice Cunningham of Southern CA, Lisa Kinsella and son-in-law Matthew of Southern CA, Kelly Cunningham of Pawtucket RI, Shannon Kelly and son-in-law Steven of Jaffrey NH, Stephanie Perdue and son-in-law Earl of New Ipswich NH.

Dud is also survived by his four grandchildren, Monica Cunningham of Peterborough NH, Emma and Quinn Kelly of Jaffrey NH, and James “Jake” Perdue of New Ipswich NH.

Dud was the eldest of 7 siblings including, Jerry Cunningham (Linda) of Rhode Island, Sharon Parks (Donald) of Delaware, Martha Smeltzer, Paul Dunlap, Sam Dunlap and E. Marlene Addleman (Ralph) of Clearfield, Pennsylvania who adored her older brother and often called him her hero.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart Church, 15 High Street, Greenville, NH. Fr. Wilfred Deschamps will officiate.

Due to restrictions imposed by the COVID pandemic, a Celebration of Life will be held later in the year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.