Eugene J. Cunningham, age 85 years, formerly of Sun Lakes, AZ and Albany, NY, died Saturday May 14, 2005 at the Wayne Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Wayne, PA after a long illness. Born in Caledonia, NY, the son of John A. and Edith Mills Cunningham, Eugene fostered a lifelong dedication to improving music education and appreciation of fine arts. A WWII veteran and recipient of the Bronze Star, Eugene served in North Africa and the United Kingdom and was a member of the US Army Band. After receiving a BA and MS degree’s in music from the University of Rochester, Eugene was a music teacher and band director at Albany High School during the 1950’s; Assistant Director of Music education, Albany public schools during the 1960’s; NYS Administrator of Music and Arts education from 1966 until his retirement in 1983.

    Eugene is survived by his two sons, Rex J. Cunningham of Springfield, VA and Eugene J. (Cynthia) Cunningham Jr. of Devon, PA. Grandchildren: Jeanette, Christopher, Katherine, Russell, Kimberley, James, Andrew, Stephanie and Rebecca. A brother, Donald (Norma) Cunningham of Caledonia. His wife of 42 years, Doris E. Ludbrook and his wife of 12 years, Una Mae Keffeler predeceased Eugene.

   A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated 9 AM Friday May 20, 2005 at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 435 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY. Interment at Albany Rural Cemetery. Friends and relatives called at the Fredrick Funeral Home, 633 Central Avenue, Albany on Thursday May 19, from 4 to 8 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the New York State Summer School of the Arts Scholarship Fund, c/o the State Education Department, 89 Washington Avenue, Room 866 EBA, Albany, New York 12234.