James T. Cunningham

Waltham – Father James T. Cunningham, C.S.S., a member of the Stigmatine Fathers and Brothers, died Friday, January 22, 2016 at Newton-Wellesley Alzheimer's Center. He was 96.

Father Cunningham was born on December 21, 1919, a son of the late John H. and Katherine M. (Casey) Cunningham. He entered the Stigmatine Community at Waltham on September 14, 1942 and professed his first vows as a Stigmatine religious on September 9, 1944. Three years later he professed his final vows. On June 3, 1950 he was ordained a priest by Bishop (later Cardinal) John Wright, Bishop of Worcester at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Milford.

He served as associate pastor at All Saints Church in Manassas, Virginia, Our Lady of the Ozarks, Arkansas, Saint Anthony's in Agawam, Lady of Mount Carmel, White Plains, New York and at Sacred Heart Church in Waltham. He served as chaplain at Waltham Hospital from 1981 to 1998. Father Cunningham later retired to Saint Joseph Hall in Waltham.

The brother of the late William, John, Henry and Daniel Cunningham and Helen Kulda, he leaves his confrère's in the Stigmatine Community.

Father Cunningham's wake will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham on Wednesday morning, January 27th from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery, Milford.

Memorials may be made to the Stigmatine Fathers, 554 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA 02452.