MARCH 27, 1935 – DECEMBER 6, 2021
George Ross Cunningham, 86 of Jupiter FL and Old Orchard Beach, ME formerly of Reading, MA passed away on Monday, December 6, 2021, after a brief illness.
The only child of the late Bertha Flora Cunningham, nee Jillette, and the late Robert Cunningham, George was born on March 27, 1935, and grew up on Pearl Street in South Medford, Massachusetts, where he made life-long friends.
George met his wife of fifty-five years and love of his life, Elaine Ann Cunningham, nee Kelly at a carhop in the early 1960’s and they were soon married. George and Elaine enjoyed success as entrepreneurs in real estate and other ventures as business partners. Elaine passed away in 2018 and George missed her greatly.
Raising three daughters in Reading, Massachusetts, the family spent summers at the “the camp” on Millville Lake in New Hampshire. Elaine and George soon retired oceanside to Jupiter, Florida, spending summers oceanside in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.
George’s first job was as a pin boy at his grandfather’s “Pops” bowling alley in Saugus, earning a nickel a string at ten years old. A consummate hard worker, he moved on to drive an oil truck and held many other jobs supporting his mother after losing his father in his late teens.
A job at the Produce Market in South Boston set in motion a long career in the produce industry. Partnering with Don Shapiro for over forty-five years, they owned a successful produce wholesaler servicing supermarkets all over New England. George enjoyed being a part of the dynamic produce industry and until his last days could not resist a leisurely stroll through a supermarket produce department to see what labels were on the shelf.
George was known for his unwavering support of his children, friends, and even acquaintances. Always remembering people’s hardships or victories, he would lift someone’s spirit with his encouragement and wisdom. George was forever proud of his and Elaine’s business accomplishments, he truly enjoyed supporting small business owners with his patronage and advice.
As a first-generation American, George never forgot his father’s struggles and his own humble beginnings. George always quietly bolstered and supported those he felt fortunate to have emigrated to America and strongly encouraged everyone to work toward citizenship. George proudly wore his American Flag pin every day!
George will always be remembered as a true gentleman who greeted friends and neighbors with a big smile and a twinkle in his eye.
George is survived by his daughter Linda Cunningham of Vero Beach, Florida, his daughter Sheryl Cunningham-Love and her husband Bob Love of Reading, Massachusetts, and his daughter Kelly Schroth and her husband Brian of San Anselmo, California. He will be dearly missed by his five grandchildren: George, John, and Robert Love of Reading, Massachusetts, and Skylar and Tanner Schroth of San Anselmo, California.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm with a Celebration of Life to follow from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at AYCOCK-RIVERSIDE FUNERAL HOME, Jupiter, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George’s name to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, FL. Condolences may be offered at aycockfuneralhomejupiter.com.
