Obituary of Robert Leslie Cunningham

RENSSELAER- Cunningham, Robert (Bob) Leslie, 62, of Rensselaer passed away with his wife at his side on September 3, 2021, after a long illness. Born in Rensselaer NY, he was the son of the late Betty Jean (Hackman) and Frank T. Cunningham. Bob is survived by his wife of 19 years; Penny Childs-Cunningham; his two brothers, Frank T. (Pamela) and Dwight D. (Linda) Cunningham; and is predeceased by his sister Diana J. (Cunningham) (James) Caldwell; and survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. Bob graduated from Rensselaer High School in 1977. He was also employed by, and retired from, Amtrak. Bob was a volunteer firefighter at the Tsatsawassa Fire Dept. Bob had a passion for cars and racing; He was an avid NASCAR fan and a member of the Schroeder Car #28 Sportsman Team which raced out of Lebanon Valley Speedway and a few other tracks. The team built stock cars from the ground up from the “North End Garage” on 6th street in Rensselaer. He would also repair family and friends' cars from there on his own dime, like his nephew's Camaro. One of his favorite projects from the garage was his beautifully restored 1967 Chevelle convertible. Bob was also an exceptionally skilled carpenter and made many fine pieces of furniture and decks over the years; if you could envision it, he could make it. Bob also loved his pets; especially his 3 dogs Jarrett, Seairra and Sasha. With his larger than life personality he loved to laugh and make the people around him laugh. He was always quick to lend a hand wherever he was needed; removing snow, building decks, baking pies for parties, helping his neighbors remove trees after storms; and his complete devotion to his wife Penny. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude and thanks to the wonderful 8th Street neighbors, and the Child's family who have been so caring and supportive to Bob over the years; as well as all of the medical professionals for all of their attention and care. And a very special thanks to his niece Laura Caldwell for the loving care and support she provided to both Bob and his wife Penny throughout the years. At his request, there will be no calling hours or public service. A celebration of his life will be held at the Tsatsawassa Volunteer Fire Dept. on Sunday September 26 from 2-5 PM. Details can be found on Bob’s Facebook page. To leave a special message for the family, please visit: SimpleChoicesCremation.com