Obituary: Richard Charles Cunningham, 1939-2024

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• Courtesy
• Richard Cunningham

Richard Charles Cunningham, 84, of Charlotte, Vermont, passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at The Arbors in Shelburne, Vermont, surrounded by his family.
He was born on December 26, 1939, in Addison, Vt. His parents, Eldred Dudley Warfield Cunningham and Lilah Dorothy LaRose Delorme, raised him and his seven siblings in Vergennes, Vt.
Richard graduated from Vergennes High School, class of ’59, the last class to graduate from the old high school. He joined the 101st Airborne Division, serving as a paratrooper and making 13 jumps while stationed in Stuttgart, West Germany for two years.
Richard had several careers during his life, including carpentry and joinery. He owned a garbage collection company in Vergennes. He served on the Vergennes City Council and as the Vergennes Water Commissioner. Richard’s final career was in marine exploration for 25 years, after graduating from Chapman’s School of Seamanship in Stuart, Florida. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Vermont Antique Boat Association.
His first marriage was while stationed at Fort Myer, Arlington, Va. His next marriage was to Claire Marie Adams of Vergennes. They raised two daughters, Ragan Ann and Leigh, both of Vergennes. Leigh has two sons, Nicolas Isaac Cormier Cunningham and Matthias Christopher Cormier, and his partner Laura Matushzak. Richard’s great-grandson, Killiam James Cunningham, is the son of Nicolas and Kaitlin Cusson Cunningham.
On July 4, 1980, he married Harriet “Happy” Stone Patrick of Charlotte. Together they enjoyed over 40 years of projects, including renovating several historic Charlotte homes, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Richard was so happy at the helm of his boat with Happy by his side, whether exploring the Erie Canal or cruising south on the Intracoastal Waterway. He certainly loved his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandson.
Richard is survived by Happy and his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandson. He is also survived by his sister, Lucille Nelson of Sharon, Conn.; his brother, David, and his partner, Cathy Sargent Monroe, of Waltham, Vt.; his sister-in-law, Claire Chamberlain Cunningham of Vergennes; his sister, Kim Delorme Laughner; and two stepchildren, Adam Boyd Dantzscher of St. George, Vt., and Robert Christopher Dantzscher and Cyndie Coffrin of Monroe, Wash.; Adam’s daughter, Meridith Anne Dantzscher, of Malden, Mass.; Christopher’s two sons, Corbin Casey Dantzscher of St. Paul, Minn., and Casey Christopher Dantzscher of Surprise, Ariz.; and a daughter, Cassandra Caitlin Dantzscher of Monroe, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Richard is survived by his brother Eldred Jr., sister-in-law Arlene LaFlam, brother Leonard, sister Rosaline and her husband Laurence Casey, and sister Beverly and her husband Floyd Peck.
The Cunningham and Patrick families would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Arbors family for the wonderful care Richard received for almost two years and to the hospice who were there to provide assistance when needed.
A memorial reception for Richard will be held on September 28, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Vergennes Opera House on Main Street. Richard is finally coming home.
Cremation services are provided by Ready Funeral Home.