Donald Cunningham

On this day that GOD has made, we as one, join in celebrating the life of our beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin and dear friend known to many as - Donald Cunningham. Donald, Uncle Don and the oldest of The Originals was born in the grace of a beautiful mother, Emma Hill (Cunningham), and father, Robert Russell on January 14, 1963, in Cleveland, Ohio. Donald was a party-starter and the "clean-up" guy. He was the sixth of eleven children. 



Donald attended Millikin's Workshop. He worked since the age of 14. He worked at East Cleveland Developmental Center for over 30 years. He also was an accomplished athlete, who won many awards, and specifically he enjoyed playing basketball, kickball, and bowling. He loved music and Marvin Gaye was his favorite. He enjoyed dancing, traveling to Alabama and going fishing. His favorite quote was "No, No, toy." He was a "Ball-Boy" for Case Western Reserve for 50 years! He received a signed helmet from Bill Bellichick, coach of the New England Patriots! He and his twin brother Ronald were featured in the Plain Dealer and Cleveland.com. Quoted directly from Cleveland.com, "While identical twins, the Cunninghams, are easy to tell apart, even from afar, Ronald always has his shirt untucked, while Donald's shirt is always tucked in, and Ronald works the home sideline, while Donald is on the visitors sideline." He was a devoted Cavs fan and sported a jersey with "Uncle Don" and "23" on the back.

Donald has joined his parents (Emma Hill and Robert Russell) and siblings (Larry Cunningham, Wilma Townsend, Sandra Russell, Revas Cunningham) who preceded him in death. Donald leaves to cherish his memory, six siblings, Cynthia, Melody, Tony, Ronald, Tathlyn, and Sharlene(Rome), many nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.

Lovingly Submitted.