Obituary of Jerry A. Cunningham
DURHAM - Jerry Allen Cunningham entered eternal life with his Savior, the Lord Jesus, on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the age of 85.
He was born on February 16, 1939 in Catskill to Allen B. and Mary (Armstrong) Cunningham. Jerry graduated as Valedictorian from Greenville Central School, Class of 1957, while simultaneously taking on the responsibility of the family farm located in Durham, New York. Settled in 1837, Jerry was the 4 th generation on the farm, continuing its longstanding and rich heritage.
Jerry married Louise Chatfield in 1962 – they were inseparable for nearly 62 years. Together they expanded the farm and dairy, adding acreage with the purchase of two neighboring farms resulting in the beautiful place they called home. Jerry could not have accomplished the many hours of daily chores, harvesting hay, upkeep of barns and equipment without the help of his five sons, neighbors and friends. Jerry and Louise instilled the value of hard work built on the foundation of faith from a young age. As the family grew, Jerry ventured into other agricultural businesses and the sale of related farm supplies.
In later years, Jerry and Louise had the opportunity to travel for both business and pleasure. They enjoyed visiting friends and family, attending meetings and loved seeing the beauty of this country and beyond. In addition to his life on the farm, Jerry served on many community and agricultural organizations and boards, not the least of which was service to his church. He left a legacy for generations to come.
He is survived by his wife Louise, his five sons: Tim(Sharri), Allen(Linda), Luke(Rhonda), Ted(Kathleen), David(Bobbi Lynn), 13 Grandchildren and 9 Great-Grandchildren. Jerry was predeceased by his parents Allen and Mary Cunningham and his two sisters Dorothy and Ethel Cunningham.
In keeping with his wishes, Jerry has been cremated privately. Calling hours will be Friday, June 14th from 4 to 7 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville. Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, June 15th at 11 a.m. at Flat Creek Baptist Church, 849 Flat Creek Road, Gilboa, NY 12076, followed by burial of his ashes in the Cornwallville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Flat Creek Baptist Church at the above address, or to Community Hospice, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill, NY 12414 will be appreciated. Condolence page is available at ajcunninghamfh.com.