Douglas “Doug” Cunningham passed away on the morning of May 17 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Newcastle on April 5, 1926, he was the third son of Joseph and Josephine Cunningham.
Douglas was a 57-year member of the Local 17 Sheet Metal workers Union, and for many years worked in Boston in that industry. Later, Douglas enriched the local community with his many skills and talents, and served as facilities manager at Camp Kieve in Nobleboro. Following his life’s dream, in 1986, Doug bought Reunion Station Restaurant on Route 1 in Damariscotta, which he and his family ran for 15 years.
Having received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Doug was an active member of the American Legion Post 42 for the past 35 years.
Doug spent his retirement years dividing his time between his two favorite places, Key West and Maine. In Maine, he especially enjoyed somewhat extended coffee breaks with his buddies. He also enjoyed planting and caring for his vegetable garden and was always in the middle of several home improvement projects. In Key West, Doug spent many contented hours at the beach, making friends from all over the world whom he cherished like family.
A man with a keen sense of humor, Doug would keep friends chuckling with his one-liners, delivered with a roll of his eyes. Doug was also well known for his kindness and compassion. Without a second thought, he was always ready to lend a friend a helping hand, or to assist a stranger in need.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Virginia; daughters, Paula Kinne and husband Scott Kinne, Julie Cunningham and fiancé Mike Marchetta, Janet Rapier, and Susan Gay and husband David Gay; special niece, Betty Fitzpatrick and husband Kevin; nephews, James and Stanton Cunningham; sister-in-law, Gertrude Cunningham; grandchildren, Emily Cunningham, Alan Kinne and wife Kelly, Walker and Christian Kinne, Amanda and Andrew Rapier, William and Abbie Healey, and Danny and Peter Gay; great-grandsons, Owen McBean and Carter Kinne; as well as his beloved canine companions, Abby, Honey and Lydia.
Time to visit with the family 5-7 p.m., Tues., May 22 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. Service will be held 11 a.m., Wed., May 23, also at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions of plants to be placed in a garden in his honor.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, Damariscotta.