Bernard M. Cunningham

Bernard Michael Cunningham, age 90, a man of devout faith, loving husband, father, and friend, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving wife Kathleen and his children on April 1, 2024. Bernard was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the Great Depression. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work, determination, and perseverance—a testament to his generation's resilience.

Bernard was the youngest of nine children and attended West Catholic High School before earning his Bachelor's degree at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. He embarked on a successful career in sales and marketing, working for Dun and Bradstreet, Procter and Gamble, Pfizer, and Union Carbide. Later, he dedicated nearly three decades working alongside his friend and business partner Don Avellino Sr., growing Avellino's Tire & Auto Service business into a well-known Philadelphia area automotive company.

Bernard worked hard most of his life, but he also enjoyed himself. He enjoyed music, dancing, watching sports and movies and doing crossword puzzles. He was a competitive tennis player for years. Exercise was an important part of his life, as he enjoyed going to the gym well into his 80’s. He was generous to charities and to people he knew were in need, often quietly helping them out behind the scenes. Bernard lived a big life, filled with big dreams, and surrounded by a great big family. His legacy of love, faith, friendship and unwavering resilience will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed.

Bernard is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Catherine Cunningham, his siblings Jack, Edward, Joseph, Agnes, Maryellen, Winifred, Josephine, and Ann. He is survived by his beloved wife Kathleen, his children Kathy (Steve) Conaboy, Carol (James) Cottone, Chris (Christine) Cunningham, Brenda (David) Johnson, Colleen (Thomas) Kirk, Kyle (Pauline) Cunningham, Brian Cunningham, John Hammill (deceased), Denise Hammill, his three brothers in law and their spouses, his 20 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. 

Relatives and friends will be received at visitation from 10:00 am Saturday, April 13th at St. Eleanor Catholic Church 647 Locust St, Collegeville PA, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11: 30 am at the same location. Officiating will be Rev. John P. Stokely. Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Amigos de Jesus Children's Home in Malvern Pa (amigosdejesus.org) or to CASA Youth Advocates of Delaware and Chester counties (delcocasa.org).