CUNNINGHAM

Calvin B. Cunningham passed away June 21, 2010 at the wonderful age of 96.  He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara of 54 years, his son Brian and nine of his 10 siblings.  Born in Chicago, IL in 1914, he grew up in Elmhurst, the son of the Justice of the Peace, William Cunningham and his wife Elsie.  Cal was an exceptional running-back at York High School, lettering all four years in football and achieving All State honors three of his four years.  He also played for Elmhurst College and later the Elmhurst Travelers.  He served our country in WW II as a Navy Seaman, working his carpentry trade on an LSD repairing battle damaged ships in the Atlantic.  After the war he resumed his career in the construction trade, supervising large building developments until he and his brother Charles started Cunningham Builders.  The firm is  still operated today by two of his nephews in the Chicago suburbs.  Mr.  Cunningham leaves his daughter Judy Cunningham, son Ted Cunningham and his  wife Diana and daughter Mary and her husband Steve Roman.  His grandchildren Corey Bassett,  her husband Andrew, Amanda Roman and Ashley Cunningham were the center of his senior life.   He rarely missed a baseball, basketball or track meet and was known as “Pops” by all the team members and friends.  His handsome  smile and pleasant demeanor will be missed by all including his large extended family of nieces and nephews.  He lived his life by the virtue of honesty and the code of fairness and leaves that  legacy for all to cherish and remember.  Visitation at the Pedersen-Ryberg Mortuary 435 N. York Rd. Elmhurst on Thursday  June 24,  2010 from 3 to 9 p.m. with funeral services at 8 p.m.  Interment Fernwood  Cemetery, Gladstone Michigan.  In lieu of flowers, please have a Mass said for Cal or donate to your favorite charity.  For info 630-834-1133 or www.pedersenryberg.com