Charles (Charlie) Edward Cunningham

August 21, 1936 - April 5, 2022

Charles (Charlie) Edward Cunningham, 85, a resident of North Fort Myers, FL for the past six years, formerly of College Point, NY, passed away Tuesday, April 5, 2022 in Cape Coral, FL. He was born August 21, 1936 in College Point to Frederick and Eleanor Cunningham, now deceased.

Charlie was of the Christian faith. He was employed at Queens Transit Corp (MTA) at the College Point Depot for 37 years retiring in 1998.  He joined the Flushing Bay Yacht Club in the early 1970’s when he decided to purchase his first boat, embarking on years of cherished memories and newfound friends and journeys.  Some years later he joined the Williamsburgh Yacht Club and went on to become the Commodore there, and lastly was a member of the Skyline Marina before moving to Florida.   He also was a dedicated associate member of the VFW # 885, in College Point where he frequently bartended and volunteered his services for events there, such as cooking for St. Patrick’s Day.

Charlie was larger than life! He was funny, generous, loyal and loved deeply.  His upbeat personality had him with friends of all ages.  He could tell a story that would reel you in and have you holding on to the end in awe. Music was such an important part of his life, and it surrounded the house every day and crossed over into many genres.

The void that is left behind will be felt by all who knew and loved him.  He lived a full life, on his terms with all the love and laughter that surrounded him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Marie Cunningham of North Fort Myers; five loving children, Susan Salvagio (Peter) of Cape Coral, Debra Paradiso (Eddie) of Cape Coral, Gail Ciecirski (Wayne) of Cape Coral, Dawn Brannigan (Patrick) of Cape Coral, and Charlie Cunningham, Jr. of Orofino, ID; sister, Arlene Bowen of Winchester, VA; eleven grandchildren; as well as fifteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Charlie was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Alyssa Brannigan.

A Celebration of Life will be held  from 11 AM – 2:00 PM Sunday, May 1, 2022 at the Del Tura Clubhouse, Starlight Room, 18621 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers, FL 33903. 

Memorial Contributions in memory of Charles Edward Cunningham are suggested to St. Jude Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Paul & Arlene Zaluski Apr 10, 2022 at 5:18 pm

    Charlie was so full of life and will be greatly missed. Everyone in College Point knew and loved Charlie.
    He is now with Vic Coppola and Pete Lauterborn they were such good friends

  2. Sharon Brannigan Apr 11, 2022 at 10:36 am

    I will always love him. He is part of my family. Our long running joke will for ever live on. Ok Charlie Pat loves you more! Will miss you.

  3. Christine Apr 11, 2022 at 11:37 am

    May he rest in peace. Condolences to his family. Memories full of lots of laughter.

  4. Marie Cunningham Apr 11, 2022 at 12:08 pm

    My heart is broken. Half of me is gone. Charlie, words can’t begin to say how much I love you. I know through our 69 plus years together, I became just as much a part of you, as you did of me. You are my husband and my best friend. We were two young kids that had almost nothing, but together we created a beautiful family. You were my provider, my protector, and my handsome social director. Life was never boring with you.
    Your love made me so happy! No matter where I look, whatever song I hear, or special occasion I go to, you will always be with me. I never thought I would be without you, but God blessed us so much and I have to accept His plan. You will be in my mind and my heart everyday, until we see each other again in heaven.
    Rest in peace my love.❤️

  5. James and Linda Beggs Apr 11, 2022 at 12:11 pm

    Charlie was. More than a friend to us. He became as much a father to us as his children and we adopted him and his family as our own. When he moved to N Ft Myers we visited Him and Marie and stayed with them in there home. When we decided to move from NY our place of choice was to be near him And his family. All though are hearts are broken that he is gone , When we think of him we smile remembering all the joy he gave us.

  6. Arlene Febbraro Bennett Apr 11, 2022 at 2:08 pm

    I am sorry for your loss My condolences to you and his family May he Rest in Peace Charlie was a funny, caring man Now you are with Ronnie Bennett Give him a hug for me You will be missed

  7. Dawn Riley Pendleton Apr 11, 2022 at 3:36 pm

    So many amazing memories with Charlie! He will be missed!

  8. Al Rocco Apr 11, 2022 at 3:40 pm

    I knew Charlie since I was 12 years old he was my brother inlaw Freddie’s brother he was always fun to be around and if we were in trouble and needed help he had my back he will surely be missed rest in peace my friend

  9. Allyson Apr 11, 2022 at 3:51 pm

    Charlie was an exceptional man, full of life, I met Charlie and his wife Marie one night at our pub in Del Tura. He was a character from the start and had a huge smile for me when ever he saw me. I stopped over to their house now and again to make sure all was well. He will be missed

  10. Marie Riley Doyle Apr 11, 2022 at 4:05 pm

    Charlie was one of a kind there will never be another one like him, there wasn’t a moment spent with him that you weren’t laughing. My kids loved being around him also. RIP Charlie, I know everyone in heaven will love having you.

  11. John and Karen Elek Apr 11, 2022 at 4:46 pm

    Loved you Charlie, always had a funny story. You will be dearly missed and loved.

  12. John and Karen Elek Apr 11, 2022 at 4:49 pm

    Loved you Charlie, always had a funny story. You will be dearly missed and loved.

  13. Donna Apr 11, 2022 at 5:05 pm

    I want to say to the Cunninghams, I am so so sorry for your loss. I love you all and know that Charlie will NOT be gone and will be by each of your sides forever in your heart ♥️ I adored Charlie and grateful to have been a small part of his life!! Love to you ❤️

  14. Joe Kennedy Apr 11, 2022 at 6:34 pm

    Nothing but fond memories of Charlie, having worked with him for 20 years. Ever the gentleman. I still remember how he forcefully reminded us to behave like gentlemen when Debbie started working there. Rest in Peace sir.

  15. Dawn Brannigan Apr 11, 2022 at 6:50 pm

    Dad, Where do I begin? There isn’t enough space on here to tell you all that I want to say. But I realized you already know all of it. The love and the bond can never be broken. I will carry you with me until that day we meet again. I could not have been prouder to be your daughter. I could not have hand picked a better father? You taught me to be strong and always do my best, you loved with all your heart and we all felt it. I hope I can keep telling your stories on down the generations so that my grandkids will still be repeating them. The emptiness, knowing that I can’t pick up the phone and call you hurts to the core. I went to the pub today to let them know about a memorial for you and everybody toasted to you, it was so beautiful and I was so touched. You touched every person you have ever met. Remember you can look to the east and look to the west…..you finish the rest. Love you with all my heart forever!

  16. Johanna Rippe Apr 11, 2022 at 9:22 pm

    My Deepest Condolences To The Cunningham Family Charlie Was A Good Friend Of My Dads (Jack Rippe) For Many Years I Remember Him Fondly From My Childhood. Fly With The Angels Mr C Say Hello To My Dad.
    Johanna Rippe

  17. Sharon Durdaller Apr 11, 2022 at 10:13 pm

    Charlie was one of my greatest friends. He will surely be missed. He was always there when needed and if you were feeling down, he would always cheer you up. I have many, many great memories with him and Marie and I cherish all of them. He always knew how to keep everyone laughing and happy. Rest in peace Chas, will miss you greatly.

  18. Mary and Steve Rohde Apr 12, 2022 at 8:14 am

    That smile! Those jokes! There will be a void now. May you rest in peace and comfort. We will miss you – until we meet again!

  19. John J Frawley Apr 14, 2022 at 6:54 am

    I will always miss this great man. I was just thinking about him the other day thinking of how he always made my day. He was always there with a funny comment or a way to get you through the day. He was someone you always looked forward to seeing. I can’t say enough about this man and no matter how much good stuff you can say about him can’t be tarnished, he was one of a kind. Charlie week always be in my heart and mind. Until I see you in heaven Charlie,I will always remember you and thank God I knew you. May you rest in peace. I will never forget you.

  20. Jo-Anne Newcomb Apr 14, 2022 at 11:11 am

    I remember always going to your boat for those real water showers, I hope you and my pop have a great time boating in the big blue sky!

  21. Al Lorentz Apr 16, 2022 at 8:44 am

    Charlie my friend, we had so many laughs, and just smiled when we would meet each other at the pub as we new that our stories would lead to more laughs. I will miss you dearly as we had such a great time and had become very good friends. RIP my buddy, I think of you everyday.

  22. Michelle Wesley (Durdaller) Apr 16, 2022 at 4:59 pm

    My heartfelt condolences to Marie, Susan, Gail, Debbie, Dawn and Charlie Jr. I have my memories to always looked back on. The laughs, the tears and the stories are imprinted in my heart. I’m sure you are making new memories in heaven with my dad and everyone else that was waiting for you. RIP

  23. Chip and wilma Apr 17, 2022 at 9:05 am

    Will miss you dearly charlie

  24. Colleen Creegan Apr 22, 2022 at 12:59 pm

    Words can’t even begin to pay tribute to you Charlie, I’ve known you for almost my whole life and you were like a father to me !! Oh the stories you would tell…I would sit there in awe, and believe every word !! You were always so very funny and many, many times laughed till I cried !! You will be missed dearly, but forever be etched in my heart !! Love all of you !! ❤️

  25. Karen Bowen Apr 25, 2022 at 2:36 pm

    I cannot type this with any tears in my eyes. Charlie was the funniest, most real, and loving soul ever. The first time I met him was when I was 16 years old. I went to NY with my now husband Randy we went the the yacht club to see him. He said look at her and laid a huge kiss dead on my lips. First time seeing him and meeting him. Lol I was set back at first, but thought ok I’ll give it back…. so I said is that all you got. He howled and laughed. He was definitely one of a kind, a real gem. I am thankful that my kids and I were part of his life. RIP Uncle Charlie hugs and until we meet again smooches 💋
    Prayers for all the family.
    Much love

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