Hudson – Richard E. Cunningham Jr., 58, lifelong resident of Hudson, MA, died on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at UMASS Memorial Marlborough Hospital in Marlborough, MA. He is survived by his beloved wife Kristine G. Cunningham of Hudson, MA.
Richard was born in Marlborough, MA, survived by his father Richard E. Cunningham Sr. and predeceased by his mother Jane E. (Frawley) Cunningham. He was raised in Hudson, MA attending local schools and was a graduate of Hudson High School class of 1983.
Shortly after high school Richard enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard on the USS Vigilant and was stationed along the east coast until being assigned to the Scituate Massachusetts Coast Guard Station. He served from 1983 until being honorably discharged in 1987.
He was employed by the Hostess Company as a Union Truck Driver until the early 2000s when he was injured while working. Even after his injury, Richard kept busy doing landscaping around his yard and spent time with his father restoring an old model jeep that he acquired. He was a member of the former Christ the King Parish in Hudson, MA and a current member of Saint Michael Parish in Hudson, MA.
Besides his wife Kristine and father Richard Sr., Richard leaves his 2 sisters, Susan LaPorte and her husband Russell of South Berwick, ME, Brenda Hoseason and her husband Peter of Bolton, MA; his 4 nieces, Carolyn Ingalls and her husband James of Haverhill, MA, Jessica Bailey and her husband Jules of Portland, OR, Meghan Gavalis and her husband Robb of Westborough, MA and Colleen Schoeck and her husband Craig of Plymouth, MA. He is also survived by his 9 great nieces and nephews, other relatives and close friends.
Richard had many interests and hobbies throughout his life. His passion in life was the special bond he shared with his wife Kristine, his close and unconditional relationship with his father and the love and caring spirit he gave to his siblings and their children. He enjoyed camping and hiking prior to his injury and always looked forward to traveling to Gloucester and Essex to be near the ocean and beaches. He also loved his family, the O’Learys, living in Ireland He will be greatly missed but never forgotten by those who loved and knew him.
Relatives and friends are invited to a period of visitation from 4 to 7pm on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central St., Hudson, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Saint Michael Parish, 21 Manning St., Hudson, MA; followed by a procession to Forestvale Cemetery in Hudson, MA for Committal Services.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Richard may be made to: Collie Rescue League of New England, P.O. Box 603, Colchester, VT 05446 (Donate), and The Paralyzed Veterans of America National Processing Center, P.O. Box 758542, Topeka, KS 66675-8542 (Donate).
