Uriel Joseph “UJ” Cunningham, Jr., resident of Metairie, Louisiana, died on Saturday, January 5, 2019. He was 85 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Louise Sahuque Cunningham. He was preceded in death by his parents Uriel Joseph Cunningham, Sr and Vera Davis Cunningham, sister Lillian Rose Cunningham, and grandchildren Jennifer Rose Benedetto and Michelle Rose Benedetto. Also survived by five children, Kathleen Zichichi (Barry), Jean Gauthier (Richard), Linda Benedetto (Mark), Joseph Cunningham (Michelle) and Patricia Rumney (Gary). He is also survived by 18 grandchildren – Christine Zichichi, Lauren Gwin (Taylor), Leonard Zichichi, John Gauthier (Andrea), Renee Swift (Casey), Richard Gauthier, Jr. (Jessica), Jason Gauthier (Kristin), Benjamin Benedetto (Kelley), Daniel Benedetto (Ellen), Tiffany Galloway (Taylor), Patrick Cunningham, Jeanne Cunningham, Colin Cunningham, Kristen Gonzalez (Joel), Ryan Rumney, Michael Rumney, Stephen Rumney, and Rachel Rumney. He is also survived by 16 great grandchildren. He is survived by siblings Valerie Smith (Richard), Deann Authement (John) and Patrick Cunningham (Linda), sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
UJ was born in New Orleans, and graduated from Redemptorist High School where he was a varsity basketball player. He moved to Metairie with his family where he became a lifelong parishioner of St. Angela Merici Church. He was an active member of St. Angela Merici Church where he was a Eucharist Minister for over 20 years and was awarded the St. Louis Medallion. He also was active in the parents club at Archbishop Chapelle High School where he was on the school board for a number of years. He loved to travel and took many trips with his lovely wife, family and friends. His most cherished moments were spending time with his loving family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at St. Angela Merici Church, 835 Melody Drive, Metairie, LA on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 1:00 pm with visitation commencing at 10:00 am. Words of remembrance will be shared at 12:30 pm. Interment will take place at Lake Lawn All Saints Mausoleum, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brother Martin High School.
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