William J. "Bill" Cunningham, of Little Falls, loving husband of Lucy (Lamanna) Cunningham, went to be with the Lord suddenly on Thursday afternoon, February 3, 2005. He was 79. Bill was born to the late Charles J. and Mary (Bannon) Cunningham in St. Johnsville on December 25, 1925 and was raised and educated there. Serving our country with the United States Navy, Bill received an honorable discharge in 1946. He was stationed in the Pacific Theatre during World War II and was the recipient of the American Theatre Medal, Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medal. Upon returning home he joined hands in marriage with the love of his life, Lucy Lamanna. The ceremony was performed in St. Joseph's Church, Little Falls on November 27, 1947. The love between this blonde haired Irish boy and this dark haired Italian girl flourished for 57 years. They lived in a number of locations while Bill worked for Western Electric but eventually decided to return to Little Falls where Bill learned the grocery and meat business from his father-in-law where he was employed for thirty years. Among the first friends Bill made in the Italian community were Tony Renzulli and Tony Zambri. Many will remember Bill from his last professional employment which was with Little Falls Hospital. He joined the staff in 1982 and retired in December of 2004 after several years of dedicated and loyal workmanship. Bill along with his wife counted on religion to guide, comfort and help them. He was a faithful parishioner of Holy Family Parish, Little Falls where he was on the Parish Council and served as a Eucharistic Minister and as a Lector. He was also a member of the former St. Mary's Men's Club and was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He also was a member of the National LSM Association of the United States Navy. It can be said that Bill never had a complaint about anything or anyone. He leaves a legacy to be envied by many, especially by his friends in the community of Little Falls. His personality was one that was appreciated by all. He treated everyone with respect from his family to his friends and to his co-workers and patients at the hospital. Bill was easily satisfied and had no great expectations, instead relying on the simple things that played a large role in his life. He would never leave the house without being meticulously dressed. His leisure time was spent working around the house and gardening. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother he was happiest when he was in the presence of his family and was a wonderful provider. He will be dearly missed. Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Lucy of Little Falls, a son, Alan Cunningham and wife Kathy of Guilderland, a daughter, Sharon Sadlon and husband Paul of Webster, three brothers and sisters, RoseMary Bonk of Little Falls, James Cunningham of Silver Creek, Elizabeth Kraft and husband Eddie of Ilion, four cherished grandchildren, Christopher and Matthew Cunningham and William and Stephanie Sadlon; his beloved in-laws: Sue and Dominick Chizzonite and Charles and Ann Lamanna, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also surviving are numerous wonderful friends in Little Falls and surrounding areas. He was predeceased by a sister Margaret Polidori. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls, on Sunday, February 6, 2005 from 3-6 p.m. Mr. Cunningham's funeral will commence at 10:15 am on Monday morning, Feb. 7 from the chapel of the funeral home where Sister Marilyn Hayes will offer prayer, thence to Holy Family Parish, Little Falls where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am. The Rev. Anthony Ligato and the Rev. Alfred Lamanna, pastor emeritus, will concelebrate the Mass. Procession will follow to Saint Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer where he will be laid to rest. In addition to floral offerings, the family requests that memorial offerings be made to the Holy Family Paris Memorial Fund or to the Little Falls Hospital Development Fund. For your convenience, donations may be made at the funeral home and envelopes are also available. The family offers its sincere gratitude to all those who offered professional help of personal comfort and assistance. To Doctor Buch: The professionalism that you showed on Thursday afternoon was extraordinary; from riding with Bill to the hospital to personally calling our family, words cannot express how much you are appreciated. A heartfelt thanks is also extended to the staff of Little Falls Hospital for their kindness and compassion. Members of the Little Falls Knights of Columbus are invited to gather at the funeral home at 4:30 PM on Sunday to cunduct a service. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.