Obituary of Daniel Michael Cunning

Daniel Michael Cunning (born Koran Mdivani) passed away in Bonita Springs, Florida on April 4th, surrounded by his cherished family. Patricia Maloney Cunning, the love of Dan’s life and partner of 65 years, pre-deceased him in 2016. Dan is survived by his beloved daughters, Pamela Cunning of Somerset, New Jersey, and Cynthia (Cee Cee) Cunning Wilbur of Brooklyn, New York, his treasured granddaughter Elizabeth Mae Wilbur and son-in-law James Benjamin Wilbur.  He is also survived by many dear friends. 

Dan was born on January 5, 1926 in Paris, France to Anna Mary Koenig (Mae Murray) and David Mdivani. As a child, Dan was adopted by the Cunning family of Sand Lake, New York. He graduated from LaSalle Institute in 1944 and earned his Bachelor of Science from The College of the Holy Cross, Class of 1947. He remained a loyal Crusader throughout his life, frequently attending reunions and keeping up with classmates.

Dan began his career in New York City in advertising, and shortly thereafter returned to Troy, NY, to manage Cunning Shoes Inc. He spent the majority of his career as a financial advisor with First Albany, First Union Financial Services, and retired from Smith Barney in 2004. Dan had a strong work ethic and loved his work. The integrity and honesty with which he handled client interactions inspired others in the industry.

Dan was a caring, compassionate and generous man. He was a faithful communicant of Our Lady of Victory Church in Troy, NY and most recently at St. Joseph’s Church in Hillsborough, NJ. Dan’s faith and volunteering were of great importance throughout his life; the Community Hospice Foundation of Rensselaer County honored him with their “Heart of Hospice Award” in 2010, for his long standing and admirable service to hospice care in the Rensselaer community.  

Dan was a lifelong golfer and lover of sports. He was a member of The Country Club of Troy for 66 years, where he served as President from 1965-1967. A founding member of the Wednesday men’s golf and card group, Dan was always extremely social and a caring, loyal friend to all who came his way. For many years, he and Pat spent time vacationing in Hilton Head Island, SC, and at The Greenbrier Resort in WV.   Since retiring, Pat and Dan wintered in Bonita Springs, FL at The Worthington Country Club. An avid and skilled golfer, Dan loved playing in the sunny warmth of Florida on a January day. Many will also remember Dan as a talented pianist, dancer, and dapper dresser.

Dan was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, and friend to man and all God’s creatures.  He was admired and respected for his integrity, honesty, and genuine kindness of heart. Dan’s lifelong, unwavering faith remained with him and provided strength to him and his family as he transitioned into eternal life.

The family will receive friends and well-wishers at Our Lady of Victory Church, Troy NY on Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow.

Those wishing to remember Daniel M. Cunning in a special way may send a contribution to Our Lady of Victory Church, 55 North Lake Avenue, Troy, NY 12180 or to The Community Hospice Foundation, Gift Processing Center, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208, or www.givetocommunityhospice.org.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Morris-Stebbins-Miner & Sanvidge Funeral Home (518) 272-3930. 

Please express your condolences by visiting sanvidgefuneralhome.com