Bernard S. Cunningham, 49, quietly passed on April 29, 2015 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital of cancer.
He was born on March 27, 1966, in Boston and raised in Jamaica Plain. He was the cherished and beloved son of Edward and Jean Griffin of Boston and Sagamore Beach.
Never would he describe himself as courageous or brave, but he was both. He triumphed over challenges that most could not have endured. His naturalness and kindness drew people to him. His goodness and strength inspired. He quietly battled cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. He lived with heart and grace and openness. Cancer did not diminish him-he fought hard and he fought well. In the end, he died the way he lived, with courage and strength and fierce dignity. He worked at Avis for over two decades. He traveled to Central Europe several years ago. He charmed his tour guide and everyone who came into his path. He spent the last few years on Cape Cod by the sea, in his wonderful historic home. A tree was planted in his garden as a flowering tribute to a man we loved, a man who will be missed. This tree will grow and stand tall as he did.
Bernard S. Cunningham. (Courtesy Photo)