Hugh Patrick “Pat” Cunningham (MSG, US Army, Ret.), 74, of Chillicothe, Ohio, passed away on February 12, 2023 after a long illness.
He was born on October 5, 1948 in Stuttgart, Germany.
He grew up with his 2 sisters and brother in Chillicothe, Ohio graduating from Bishop Flaget High School in 1966. After joining the Army he studied at the University of Maryland and graduated with an Associates Degree in Asian Studies.
Pat was a 20 year Army veteran, serving 2 tours in Vietnam and achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. After retiring from military service he continued to work for the federal government for an additional 20+ years. His greatest honor was to serve overseas with fellow active duty soldiers and veterans. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.
Throughout his retirement years he found great purpose in volunteering and making charitable donations. Although he would never want credit he donated coats, school supplies and backpacks to school children, fed and adopted stray cats, and mowed lawns for the elderly. He also volunteered for various veteran organizations. He loved classic cars and had a particular affinity for Mercedes Benz. He also enjoyed numismatics and stamp collecting, often giving coins as gifts and passing out $2 bills. He was known for his humorous streak and enjoyed handing out “Trump Dollars” to friends and family. Pat also made frequent trips to Japan to enjoy the culture and visit friends.
Hugh is survived by daughters Mary Ann Cunningham and Patricia Cunningham (Murray) Hill, sisters Karen (Richard) Groves and Brenda Francis, brother Edward Cunningham, granddaughters Darian (Aunders) Hallsten and Jordyn Cunningham Hill, and great grandson Evan Hallsten; nephews Aaron and Eric Groves, Andy Francis, Justin Cunningham; nieces Amie Lynn and Ashley Cunningham. He also leaves behind three frisky cats named Stinky, Run Run and Tiny, and very special friends & neighbors Margie and Tim Stein.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Cunningham and niece Abby Francine Groves.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations in Pat’s honor to be made to the Good Samaritan Network of Ross County. No formal service will be held at Pat’s request.
The Fawcett Oliver Glass and Palmer Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.
