Lieutenant Colonel David Allen Cunningham, U.S. Army (Retired Active-Duty Army Officer O-5, Decorated Vietnam War Veteran) died on August 14, 2026, in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Born to the late Dorothy Wurz Cunningham and Donald Cunningham on March 16, 1942, he grew up in Utica, New York.
David graduated from St. Francis Desales High School in 1959 and from St. Bonaventure University in 1963, with a degree in History and English. He earned a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Field Artillery. During his first assignment to Korea, he decided to make the Army a career.
He fought in both Tet offensives during his 1967-68 deployment to Vietnam. He then served in Germany for 3 years, where he earned a Masters in Political Science at the University of Arkansas European Program. He also attended the Airborne School, Armed Forces Staff College, Command & General Staff College, and the Air War College. Upon return to the States, he served in Texas, Virginia, Georgia, and California. His final assignment was at the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia.
In retirement David helped build many sets and served on the Board of Directors during 22 years at The Williamsburg Players. He also spent 11 years in the transportation department at Brookdale Williamsburg. He was a local VFW and Moose member, serving in many roles over 25 years. He enjoyed bowling, golf, and card games.
David is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Susan Campbell Fournier (Williamsburg). He will be missed by his 3 local-area children, Lauredan Sawyer, Deborah Whitaker (Stan), and Craig Cunningham (Michelle); stepsons, Douglas Hass (Patricia) of Carmel, Indiana, & Michael Hass (Jennifer) of Washington D.C.; 10 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. His 3 siblings also survive: Donna Falzarine, Dayle Darjany, and Dennis Cunningham (Jill), all of Utica, NY. Two of his grandchildren pre-deceased him, Benjamin Sawyer and Joshua Cunningham.
