Stephen Cunningham

Stephen Mario Cunningham, beloved husband, “special-father”, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and devoted friend to many, died June 1, 2021 at Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio. Despite his serious health issues, Steve inspired all who knew him as he fought valiantly against many setbacks, while staying positive and moving forward against all odds.

Steve was born in Columbus, Ohio on December 1, 1949, the son of Thomas and Frankie Cunningham who preceded him in death.

Steve retired from the United States Postal Service after 30+ dedicated years of combined service to the communities of Hilliard and Westerville Ohio. As was his nature, Steve befriended, assisted and in one incident even saved the life of a local resident who had fallen asleep face first in the snow.

A local musician who played multiple genres with many bands over the years, Steve started his musical journey playing a faux guitar he made for himself before he formed his first early “garage band”. Over the years he performed, entertained, inspired, and played great music with many brilliant musicians. Music was in his soul. It was how he shared his love with others and at the same time communed with himself.

Although a quiet and thoughtful person that liked his alone time, Steve had an enormous and diverse group of lifetime friends. He was fiercely loyal and would doing almost anything to assist a friend in need. He traveled across the country several times and abroad, often visiting and reconnecting with friends.

Steve’s family was everything to him. He loved his retirement because it gave him the opportunity to spend more time experiencing and sharing in their lives and activities. Grandpa was a cheerleader, chauffeur, guidance counselor, ice cream provider and devoted bestower of unconditional love for 3 generations of his “kids”.

Steve lived a good and full life. Although he held the conviction that, “My faith is between me and my maker”, he loved and appreciated the life he was given and understood that even greater adventures and glories lay just ahead of him.

Steve is survived by the love of his life, wife and caregiver Doris, children, Tracy, Jamie, Danielle and Dustin, siblings, Thomas (Sandy), Michael (Barbara), James (Nancy), and Nancy Kefauver. Steve is also survived by grandchildren, Sam (Karlee), Carlee (Kiley), Sierra, Kelli, Matteo, Payton, Emma and Elyse and great grandchildren Sophia and Roman. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. The family would like to give special thanks to longtime friends, Joe Lafferre and Jack Rees. Visitation will be 3:00 – 4:00pm Monday, June 7 at TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026, where funeral service will be held at 4:00. Steve’s cousin, Pastor Merit Smith, officiating.