West Dennis:  Edward L. Cunningham, 86, died February 29 and was laid to eternal rest on March 10 at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA. Born and raised in Easton, he lived in Abington, Bridgewater, Middleboro and most recently settled in West Dennis. 
 
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rita M. (Toomey) Cunningham, his three children, Colleen Cunningham (Peter DeCamp) of West Dennis, Edward Cunningham (Jill Brancaccio) of Taunton and Kristin Norwood (John) of Collegeville, PA and by his grandchildren, Caitlin, Laura and Sean Norwood, Meaghan Cunningham and Alyssa Brancaccio.
 
Edward served in the armed forces and was a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Germany.  He worked many years for the United States Government and upon his retirement, worked several years for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
 
From a very early age, Edward was an avid musician who enjoyed country music and the Hawaiian steel guitar.  He played for several years with the Chisholm Brothers and won numerous awards from the Massachusetts Country Music Awards Association.  He played with several local musicians such as “Chuggy” Lincoln, Jerry Devine, Sonny May, Jimbo Wilson, Doug Terry, Eddie Zack and Slim Whitman.
 
Edward was happiest spending time with his family.  Although he was afraid of the water, he would spend countless hours cleaning their pool for his children and their friends at the infamous pool parties and cookouts at the house in Bridgewater.  And he would always be on the sidelines at the different sporting events cheering on his children.
 
A life celebration will be held at a later date where friends may come and share memories of Edward with the family.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Disable American Veterans organization.
 
 
 
 
 
             
           
                                                                                                                                                                       
 
                                 
 

                                                                                                                                                                       
 
                                 
 

Dear Colleen and family, My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time.My prayers go out to you and your family .

We, here at the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame, send our condolences to Eddie's Family. I knew Eddie many years ago when I was living in Brockton, MA and had a Trio called, The Berkshire Mountain Boys from the lated 50s until I left Massachusetts in 1970 and returned to Maine where I was brought up. No one can ever forget the talent Eddie had on that Steel Guitar. He was a unique musician and will be missed by all who knew him. Again, from the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame, RIP Eddie Cunningham.

I have nothing but fond memories of Eddie and his beautiful playing of the steel guitar. He was a first class gentleman. As a nineteen year old, I admired Eddie highly. He played along side my late brother Pete (Frank and Pete Lane) at the Hillbilly Ranch and I'm sure at the Indian and Lone Star Ranches on Sundays. May Eddie Rest in the Peace of the Lord.

Dear Rita and Family, So sorry to hear of Eddie's passing , just know he's got the Angel Band backing him up now and hitting up steel guitar "licks" with my husband, Jim that he met in the 70's and so many others. He was an inspiration to have "fun" always when playing music and "gigs" how well I remember the Stockade, Casa Loma, and Square Acres before leaving Massachusetts. I'm still playing ~ to make people happy. So glad I got to talk to him a few years ago. Love and hugs to all, Rusty Hedrick Cole

Rita, I am so sorry. Love and prayers. He will me missed by all. My friend (and you and Ed's) Rusty also send her condolences. She asks about you both all the time. We will survive on the wonderful memories of his amazing music.

The country music community in Mass. and RI have missed Eddy for some time since his retirement and we feel a great loss. His family are in our thoughts and share his loss with them.

Dear Colleen, my sympathy to you and your family.

Dear Colleen, I am so very sorry about the loss of your Dad. So nice he spent the time with you And Pete on the Caoe. Loving thoughts to you and all your family. Alice and Fon