Obituary of Ivan C. Cunningham

Ivan C. Cunningham PEABODY Ivan C. Cunningham, 94, beloved husband of Anne (Jacobitz) Cunningham, died Saturday evening at the Montserrat Nursing Home in Beverly, where he was well-loved and cared for by many of the staff and fellow residents, following a long illness. Born in Beverly, he was the son of the late William M. and Bernice R. (Clark) Cunningham. He lived there in his youth, attended Beverly schools, and graduated from Beverly High School, Class of 1926. He worked at Fred L. Perkins in Lynn where he served his apprenticeship and learned about the Sheet Metal craft. He was a Mechanical Draftsman with A.C. Lawrence in Peabody for nearly 30 years, and worked with Griffin & Merrow on Walnut St. in Peabody for many years, only retiring about eight years ago, and he earned a teaching certificate so he could teach Draftsmanship at night school in Everett in the 1960's. He also worked on the Grounds Crew for the Myopia Hunt Golf Club, watering the greens for over 10 years before they were automated in the 1970’ s. Mr. Cunningham was a very well-known man in the Greater Peabody area where he lived for more than 60 years. He was a longtime member, and very involved with the South Congregational Church holding several positions, including Life Deacon, Teacher and Supt. of Sunday School, Church Moderator, past Chairman of the Stewardship Committee, and was widely-known as the Official Door Greeter for Sunday Worship Service. He also loved gardening, and music he would hear on the Lawrence Welk Show. He is survived by: his wife, Anne (Jacobitz) Cunningham of Peabody, with whom he shared nearly 57 years of marriage; one daughter, Bernice Cunningham of Peabody; one son and two daughters-in-law, Paul & Ellen Cunningham of Portsmouth, NH, and Lesley Cunningham of CA; two grandsons, Todd & Syndi Cunningham of CT and Brett & Luane Cunningham of CA; two great-grandchildren, Gabriel Cunningham and Grace Cunningham of CA, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by a son, David Cunningham of CA, and two brothers, Langdon Cunningham and Wilbur Cunningham. A Celebration of his Life Ceremony will be held on Wednesday at 6 PM in South Congregational Church, Peabody, followed by a Social Gathering in Fellowship Hall. A graveside committal and Urn burial will be held on Thursday at 10 AM in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody, and relatives and friends are kindly invited to each commemoration. All expressions of sympathy are requested to the South Church Memorial Fund, 60 Prospect St., Peabody, MA 01960. Cremation ceremony planned with Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, Peabody -30-