Obituary of Franklin D.R. Cunningham

Franklin D. R. Cunningham, 84, of Hampton passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 12, 2021 after a short illness.  He was born on November 3, 1936 in Lancaster, PA to Anthony D., Sr. and Kathryn (Schickel) Cunningham. 

His early childhood and teen years were spent in the New Market, Dunellen and Piscataway areas.  Frank was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, attending aviation training in Millington, TN and Miramar, CA.  He served aboard various aircraft carriers with Attack Squadron VA-54, also known as Hell’s Angels.  Frank was a welder and fabricator by trade and owned F&T Cunningham’s prior to his retirement in 1998.  After moving to Mexico, NY for several years, he returned to Hampton to enjoy his remaining years amongst family and friends.  He was an avid fisherman and classic car enthusiast, partial to antique Jaguars and T-Birds.  

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Karen (Povacz) Cunningham, his son Timothy Cunningham of Drums, PA, his son Matthew Cunningham of Glen Gardner and brother-in-law John Povacz of Hamburg, NY.  He is also survived by three grandchildren, one great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brothers, Anthony D., Jr. and William J. Cunningham.  

Relatives and friends may gather with the family on Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 142 West Washington Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882.  A service of remembrance will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 19, 2021 at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Musconetcong Valley Cemetery in Hampton. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Click to Donate for St. Jude or Shriners Hospitals for Children Click to Donate for Shriners Hospital.