Harry N. (Toby) Cunningham, Jr. of Waterford, PA died Thursday, May 24, 2012 at Sewickley Valley Hospital in Sewickley, PA. He was born March 7, 1935 in Imperial, PA to Harry N. and Flora Broadhurst Cunningham.
After graduating from West Allegheny High School, Oakdale, PA in 1951 he received his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in zoology/ecology from the University of Pittsburgh. He taught numerous courses in biology at Mt. Union College (1959-61), Thiel College (1963-67), and Penn State Erie, The Behrend College from 1967 to his retirement in 1997.
With a lifelong interest in birding and environmental issues he became active in the Presque Isle Audubon Society since moving to Erie County. After retiring he pursued a long-held interest in writing both fiction and non-fiction, and was the author of two books.
He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie.
He was pre-deceased by his wife, Louise G. Cunningham, his parents, and by his wife, Jean Stull Cunningham. He is survived by a daughter, Elisa C. Burden and husband, Daniel M. Burden of Melbourne, FL; a son, John C. Cunningham and wife Christina G. Cunningham, also of Melbourne; a stepson, James A. Stull and wife, Barbara Mitchell of McKean, PA; a stepson, David W. Stull and wife, Charlene, of Waterford; two sisters, Darla C. Thomas of Oakdale and Mary C. Fisher of Sewickley; granddaughters Isabel Burden, Lindsay Cunningham, both of Melbourne, FL; Miriam Stull Lutz of Cambridge Springs, PA, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will greet visitors on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford, PA 16441. There will be no public viewing or funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jean Stull Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of the Erie Community Foundation, 459 West 6th Street, Erie, PA 16507.
J.C., I’m very sorry to here about your dad’s passing. God bless. Be well old friend.
My sincere sympathy toToby’s family. Toby and Jean were truly the “wind beneath so many of our wings.” We all were so lucky to have known them. Not only did they help us be better people, but they made their mark on our world, making it a better place for all. I couldn’t help but think today, when venus passed in front of the sun, how much they would have enjoyed this event. Their spirit will live forever in my heart. Jan Woods, Edinboro PA
For the family of Dr. Cunningham:
I am very saddened to hear of your loss. It was my good fortune that Dr. Cunningham was one of my professors at Behrend and I will always remember his kindness and patience with us undergraduates. I know he will be greatly missed. You have my deepest sympathy.
Ann Umbach
Durham, NC
As president of the Board of Trustees of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie, I want to extend to you sincere condolences for your loss on behalf of the congregation. Toby was a valuable and caring member of our congregation. He had a warm smile, good stories, and so much knowledge to share with everyone. He was respected and loved by all. We will miss him dearly. With sympathy, Edie Cultu
Toby was one of the kindest, smartest, and funniest men I have known. He mentored me through my rookie years in the Behrend Biology department, when I really needed a friend. He has my undying respect and admiration, and I will miss him very much. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
I grew up in Erie in a house across the street from Toby. A kinder and classier man was not to be found on our block. He used to come over every other week or so for a game of Trivial Pursuit with my parents; even though I was only 13 at the time, they let me play too, and he never looked askance at it or treated me like I was “just a kid.” That meant a lot. Toby’s battered old Toyota pickup was the also first stick-shift vehicle in which I ever rode. Afterward, Dad had to assure me that there was nothing wrong with the truck.
The last time I saw Toby was at my father’s viewing three years ago. Though they had drifted apart after Toby moved away, he still noticed and still came. That meant a lot, too.
Distance and this week’s schedule will keep me from paying my respects in person, but I’d like John, Lisa, and the rest of the family know that they have my deepest sympathies.
Michael V. Metrik
Altoona, PA
I wanted to express my sympathies to the family and friends of Harry. I know it is hard to deal with a death of a dear loved one. A scripture that always comforted me was John 5:28, 29. “The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” I hope this helps you as it has me.
Toby’s friends in the writing community just finished celebrating his wonderful book, Twice Lived Life, a few months ago, and no one can believe he’s suddenly gone–he was planning so many things that I’m sure others are aware of; one project was a walking trip in the Lake District in England next May with a small group, maybe with a sidetrip to Scotland to search out his roots. On that trip, I planned to thank Toby properly for helping me through a crisis a few years ago; he never really knew what a difference he’d made–this man of such dignified and private reserve reached out his hand, and I am forever grateful. What a rare human being he was, to have lived through so much tragedy and to have remained so alive to the delights of the sentient world. I respected him beyond measure.