Obituary of Jerry Cunningham

Jerry Cunningham, 92, resident of Binghamton, NY died peacefully at Willow Point Nursing Home on June 25, 2015. Jerry was born in Binghamton, the son of Elder P.E. and Alice Cunningham. He was a graduate of Binghamton Central High School and was an accomplished baseball player in his youth. Jerry honorably served in the U.S. Army in the Asia-Pacific theatre during World War II, returning to Binghamton in 1946. He proudly served his community as a U.S. Postal Serviceman for 26 years, retiring in 1992. Jerry held the distinction of being the first African-American postal carrier in the City of Binghamton's history. Many residents across the city remember Jerry for his kindness, courteousness, and commitment to his family, friends, and work - truly "one of the good guys". He is survived by his wife, Edna Johnson-Cunningham, of Binghamton; son and daughter-in-law, Allen and Candace Cunningham, of Binghamton; daughter and son-in-law, Diana (Cunningham) and Michael Morello, of Endicott; his grandchildren, James (Laurie) Van Dunk, Anthony (Darlene) Van Dunk, Joseph Cunningham, and Caroline Cunningham; stepsons, Otto (Melody) Johnson, Jr., Bradford (Rev. Pauline) Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Mark (Jackie) Johnson and Judson (Shawndre) Johnson; 7 great-grandchildren; a great-great grandson; and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was predeceased by his first wife of 51 years, Philomena (Minnie) Stento-Cunningham; infant daughter, Linda; his father and mother; his son, Jerry E. Cunningham; grandson, Christopher; his brothers, Thomas, Daniel, Ruben, Moses and Isaiah (Ike); and his sisters, Mary Jane Nelson, Esther Turner, Sarah Cunningham-Trimiew and Elizabeth (Betty) Cunningham-Wallace. Jerry loved travel, walking, and spending time with family; and will be missed by all. The family extends a special thank you for the care and compassion of the staff from Willow Point Nursing Home. Funeral services will be held at Trinity AME Zion Church, 203 Oak St., Binghamton on Thursday at 2pm. Reverend Paul Carter, Pastor and Reverend Pauline Johnson will co-officiate. Burial will be in Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton. The Family will receive friends at Trinity AME Zion Church Thursday from 1 until 2pm. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Jerry may be made to Trinity AME Zion Church.