Roger Cunningham, Active UU Church Member and Music Enthusiast, Dies at 81

Roger Cunningham, a devoted husband, father, and community member, passed away suddenly at home on Tuesday evening, June 21, 2022, with his beloved wife Shirley by his side. He was 81 years old. Born on December 4, 1940, in Chicago, Roger grew up in Galesburg, Illinois, and later made his home in the Peoria area with his wife Shirley, whom he married in 1966.

Roger is survived by his wife, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ruth and Paul De Bruine, four nieces, eight grandnieces and grandnephews, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mabel Cunningham, his nephew Jeff De Bruine, and nine cousins with whom he shared close friendships during their time living on the same block.

Roger pursued a passion for music, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Illinois Wesleyan University and the University of Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army band for two years at Fort Knox and later played trombone in the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and the Peoria Municipal Band. His musical talents extended to recorders, which he played in various ensembles and music festivals across the country.

In addition to his musical pursuits, Roger had a career in computer programming, spending most of his professional years at RLI. He was an active member of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria, where he sang in the choir and managed the UU Cubs church baseball team in the 1990s. The team was known for its spirited participation, even if its record on the field was less impressive.

In recent years, Roger became an avid student of the Mandarin language, inspired by his connections with Chinese students, friends, and teachers. His curiosity and dedication to learning reflected a lifelong commitment to growth and connection.

A visitation and memorial service will be held Saturday, June 25, 2022, at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria. Masks are required, and donations can be made to the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria or the Center for Prevention of Abuse. The family asks for prayers and support during this time of mourning.

Roger’s life exemplifies the call to love our neighbors as ourselves, as seen in Micah 6:8. His legacy of service, music, and community remains a testament to the value of connection and care.

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