William F. Cunningham

William (aka. "Bob") grew up in Chicago during the Great Depression, graduated from Calumet High, and went on to Notre Dame University Answering the call of duty in 1943, he would return home after the Great War to marry his high school sweetheart, Patricia, a beautiful fashion model, and obtain his Bachelor's degree at DePaul University. After school, he returned to the service and became a 32-year Air Force veteran who also served in another war: Vietnam. Bob retired a Lt. Col in 1975, brought his family to Albuquerque, and he was a five star general in our hearts. A highly decorated fighter pilot who achieved Command Pilot status, he was shot down twice in WWII, but always managed to crash-land on friendly airstrips. In fact he had numerous mishaps over the years while flying, but always retained a cool professionalism minimizing damage to life and property. For most of his career, he flew all kinds of fighters, from a P-47 to an F-102, and everything in-between of that era. In Vietnam, Bob flew the A1-E, flying low and slow to protect downed F-4 pilots and their rescue helicopters. One of the most dangerous assignments in that war, he was easy pickings for ground fire. But mostly Bob was a loyal husband and father who cherished his family. Always trying to balance career and home, he was eager to attend performances, events, and endeavors of all his children when he was not on far-away Duty. He was a gentle and tolerant father, supportive, and judicious with discipline (his children's occasional transgressions). With his time off, he wanted nothing more than to hop in the car with the whole brood and go explore a new country, a festival, an attraction. He loved the sound of laughter in our house, the big band tones of Stan Kenton's Orchestra, and above all the sound of Pat's voice nearby. He was our Clark Kent -- mild mannered, easy-going, modest, reserved, conservative, but deadly to anyone within the gunsights of his cockpit. In retirement, Bob became an avid golfer, a steadfast dog walker, and thoroughly enjoyed his time and his many friends in Albuquerque. He loved to visit his six children scattered all over the country and was elated to begin new relationships with their companions and spouses. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Pat, his brother James, six children Bill (JoAnne Willi), Laurie (Joe DelGaudio), Jack (Yati), Rob (Nikki), Marydeanne Cavis (Bob), Michael, four grandchildren: Laura Cavis, John Jr., Rima, and Liam, and many nieces and nephews. We remember our Dad as an extremely fun guy with a heart of gold, a riveting story teller, cold-blooded poker and checkers player, and the consummate family man. He could stay up all night to sustain his Irish-heritage tradition, and then attend Catholic mass in the morning looking sharp. He could prepare NATO war games for a European invasion during the day, and come home to play card games with his children. He suffered quietly when we hurt, and he rejoiced in our success. He beamed with pride in our achievements, and he quietly stood ready as a sounding-board, confidant, mentor. We love you, Dad, and we will always miss you. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-821-0010