After a three-year battle with colon cancer, George Patrick Cunningham, 83, of Gulfport, FL went to be with our Lord on Friday, December 23, 2011. 

George was born to Annabelle and George Cunningham on May 24, 1928 in Chicago, IL.  He graduated from St. Rita's High School. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II in Japan.  He attended the University of Illinois and Northwestern University. 

Cunningham is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara.  Survivors also include his five children: Lisa Cunningham of Riverview, FL; Diane Welk of Sun City Center, FL; Lynn Ryan of Shingle Springs, CA; James Cunningham of Gulfport; and Erin Cunningham of Riverview; three grandchildren: Collin Welk, Stephen Ryan and Neal Ryan.

He worked for more than 25 years for advertising agencies in the Chicago area. Starting as a public relations writer who wrote press releases, he worked his way up to supervising all account production for an agency. A lifelong Catholic Church member, he lived in the Tampa Bay area for almost 30 years. He had many hobbies, including sailing, reading, wine making, photography and swimming. He spent all of his free time with his children, teaching them how to swim and encouraging them to get college degrees and to pursue their dreams. Those who knew him will never forget his love of knowledge, sports and his willingness to sacrifice for his children on a daily basis.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 29,2011 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL (Exit 309 off I-75). In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760.

Please sign the registry below.