Joseph Donald Cunningham

Joseph Donald Cunningham, 88, of Stewartstown PA, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, peacefully at home. Joseph is remembered by his loving wife of 65 years Kae (Hicks). Also by his greatest accomplishments, his daughters Bonnie Jo (Keith Gordon) and the late Sandra Jean (Robert Zeller). Remembered joyfully as “Padoe” by his 6 grandchildren Lydia Zeller, Joseph Zeller (Maria), Kenneth Zeller, Michael Zeller, Megan Zambito (Chris), Amanda Gordon (Matt), numerous nieces, nephews and great grandchildren. Joseph is now reunited with his beloved daughter Sandra and all of his siblings, Melvin Cunningham, Mary Jane Hellman, Sally Lilies, Thomas Cunningham, Irene Gabriel, and Ann Bauer.

Joe grew up on Loch Raven Blvd. Due to the death of his father at a very young age, he became a hustler early on in life. He delivered newspapers, bought and sold cars, and opened a snoball stand, among other things. Joe enlisted in the United States Navy at 17 after graduating from the school of hard knocks. He went on to marry and worked in the family egg business, ultimately having his own retail and wholesale egg delivery business for over 16 years. He had a lawn business, partnered with his cousin in a motorcycle shop, he opened a sign business, he did it all! Joe retired in 1994 after 20 years as a Baltimore City Police Officer for the Watersheds that included Loch Raven, Pretty Boy and Liberty Reservoirs.

Joe, a devout Catholic, believed whole heartily in Our Heavenly Father, Family and America. He loved people, everyone, genuinely. Joe loved being outside, hiking, camping, motorcycle rides, and traveling. He also enjoyed square dancing with Kae all over the country. He never missed an opportunity for a good card game or going to the casino. He loved to win. He is known most of all for having the best social game. For the past 20 years, Joe could be found on the front porch at their home in Stewartstown. Always ready for conversation or a ride in the car. In the summertime, he was often next door solving the world's problems while eating an ice cream sundae or a snoball. Joe's memory will live on forever in the hearts of his family and his many friends. He had a good run. A life well lived. He fought the good fight, he finished the race and kept the faith.

A Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the St. John Evangelist Catholic Church (13305 Long Green Pike, Hydes, MD 21082). In the Spring, Joseph will take a final ride through Loch Raven Reservoir, followed by the Rite of Committal in the family plot of the cemetery.