Obituary of Matthew T. Cunningham

Matthew T. Cunningham passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 34. He was born in San Francisco, California, but grew up in the Central Valley of both Oakdale and Modesto. He joined the US Army at the age of 18 and served for 12 years until he was medically retired. Although he had been battling brain cancer for nine years, Matthew enrolled full time in a Masters Degree program for counseling/psychology at Saint Martins University. Unfortunately, his tumor was too aggressive after the third recurrence and he had to drop out just shy of two classes of receiving his Masters. He is survived by his parents, Teresa Burkman of Lacey, WA, Thomas and Kim Cunningham of Kennewick, WA; son, Anthony Cunningham of Reno, NV; sisters, Lisa Brannock of Converse, TX, Candace Cunningham of Modesto, CA, Jade Cunningham of Kennewick, WA, Stefanie Wiltse of Kennewick, WA; brother, Richard Wiltse of Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan; and of course his dog, Ziggy Stardust. He is predeceased by his grandparents, Jose and Juanita Maciel of Oakdale, CA; brother, Samuel Cunningham of Kennewick, WA; uncle, John “Naux” Maciel of Providence, RI; aunt, Rosie Lewis of Empire, CA. Matthew was a very funny, sarcastic and caring man who was always supportive of his family and friends. He enjoyed baseball, always rooting for the San Francisco Giants, riding his quad, going to shows and concerts, traveling (always up for an adventure!), and of course hanging with his best friend Dale Lillie, getting rowdy every Matturday. The family wishes to thank all of Matthew’s friends, relatives and colleagues who have loved and supported him throughout the years. We would also like to acknowledge and say thank you to his physicians, health professionals and the hospice staff for the outstanding care that they provided. Please leave memories of Matthew or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.