Francis J. 'Frank' Cunningham, 79, electrician

Francis J. "Frank" Cunningham, 79, of Springfield, formerly of Drexel Hill, a longtime electrician, died Monday, July 14, of cardiorespiratory arrest at Crozer-Chester Medical Center.

Mr. Cunningham worked for 50 years as an electrician with IBEW Local 98 of Philadelphia before retiring in 1992.

One of his proudest achievements was serving as acting foreman during the construction of Veterans Stadium in South Philadelphia in the late 1960s.

Mr. Cunningham, born at Misericordia Hospital in Philadelphia, graduated from West Catholic High School and attended Villanova University for a short time before joining the Army.

During his college years, he participated in several baseball and basketball leagues. He also played baseball while serving in the Army Transportation Unit in Paris during the Korean War.

Mr. Cunningham was a respected longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 590, in Springfield, and an active member of the American Legion, Post 667, in Havertown.

In the community, Mr. Cunningham was active in the Drexel Hill Little League, serving several years as its president. The league offered organized baseball opportunities to many children in Delaware County in the 1960s.

"He continued with his volunteer duties to help keep his community a place for encouraging children to participate in sports and out of trouble," his family said in a tribute.

As a member for 52 years at St. Andrews the Apostle Church, in Drexel Hill, Mr. Cunningham donated much of his time to raising funds for the church. He was often seen at Mass several times a week.

"He was known as 'the handsome, tall usher,' " his family said. "He was 6-3, with blond hair and piercing blue eyes."

In retirement, Mr. Cunningham played golf, read books, solved crossword puzzles, and spent time on the beach with his family in Sea Isle City. He enjoyed following his grandchildren's sports activities and the Eagles.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy Magee Cunningham; sons Frank III and Michael; daughters Nancy Campbell and Sheila Dempsey; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters; and many nieces and nephews. A son, Stephen J. Cunningham, died in 2010.

A Funeral Mass was to be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19, at St. Dorothy Church, 4910 Township Line Rd., Drexel Hill. Interment is in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kan., 66675.