American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania and Delaware

Christian Sympathy Robert F Cunningham

 

The Rev. Robert F. Cunningham, age 98, of Franklin Park Boro, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at his home and in the company of his family.   The Rev. Cunningham was born in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, on September 21, 1920, to the late F. Albert and Margaret Elizabeth (Young) Cunningham.  He was an active youth and earned the Scouting rank of Eagle and attended the first National Boy Scout Jamboree in Washington DC in 1937.

After graduating from Jeannette High School in 1938, he attended the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia where he earned BA and BD degrees. While a student, he met Philadelphia native Ruth Farley whom he married on January 28, 1943 at the North Baptist Church in Camden, New Jersey. Ruth, who survives him, served as his marriage partner for 76 years and was his constant companion and care giver.

Ordained as a Minister-of-the Gospel by the American Baptist Churches, The Rev. Cunningham and Ruth served at the West Creek Baptist Church (1942-1945) West Creek N.J., Olive Branch Baptist Church (1945- 1952) Rostraver Township, PA, and devotedly to the families of the Franklin Park Baptist Church (1952-1985) Franklin Park Boro PA.

In retirement, The Rev. Cunningham filled several pastoral roles with churches throughout the Pittsburgh Baptist Association. In 1999, the Franklin Park Baptist Church honored him with the title of Pastor Emeritus.

In addition to his wife, The Rev. Cunningham is survived by his six children Robert B. (Judy)Cunningham, Margaret E. (David) Kelly, Lawrence A. (Louise)Cunningham, Jennis E. (late William) McGahee, Lance R. (Deborah)Cunningham, and H. Scott (Sally) Cunningham. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and his first cousin Carol Jean Keefer. A special thank you is extended to the devoted care givers of Visiting Angels.

Friends and church members are invited to join the family for viewing on Saturday, February 23, 2019 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Franklin Park Baptist Church, 2470 Nicholson Road, Sewickley PA 15143. All are invited to attend the funeral service that will follow at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Dr. Donald G. Scandrol officiating. Committal will be at the Franklin Park Baptist Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Franklin Park Baptist Church.