Peter Allan Cunningham

Peter Allan Cunningham, age 81, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, after developing an infection while vacationing abroad.

Born on June 17, 1944, in Kearney, New Jersey, Peter was the son of the late Peter and Florence Cunningham and younger brother to Janis Cunningham. He grew up in Livingston, New Jersey, graduating from Livingston High School in 1962. Shortly after graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Military Policeman stationed at Sandia Base in New Mexico, serving two years.

After leaving the Army in 1964, Peter pursued his passion for aviation and earned his Private Pilot’s License using his Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits. He later began a career in law enforcement as a police officer in West Caldwell, New Jersey.

One evening after a shift, Peter stopped at The Landmark on Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Livingston, where he met his future wife, Janet Weinglass. They were married in August 1973. In October 1978, they joyfully welcomed triplets—Kimberly, Peter, and Daniel—and built their family home on Knoll Place in West Caldwell.

Peter later left the police force to start his own trucking company. He purchased a farm in Knowlton Township, New Jersey, where he lovingly restored a 100-year-old farmhouse. Summers were spent working hard and enjoying farm life with the children—baling hay, caring for horses, sheep, pigs, goats, and chickens, all while driving truck for Channel Home Centers.

He created lifelong memories with his children through adventurous vacations, including trips to the Thousand Islands in Canada, where they rented a houseboat to explore the St. Lawrence River while fishing for musky and pike. Another unforgettable trip took them to Acapulco, Mexico, where they caught three large marlin while deep-sea fishing.

Over the years, Peter lived in Knowlton Township, Blairstown, and Columbia, New Jersey as well as East Bangor, Pennsylvania, before moving to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in 1997.

After relocating to South Carolina, Peter continued serving his community as a security officer at Coastal Carolina University and within the Island Green community. Service to others remained a constant theme throughout his life.

Peter had many passions. He enjoyed marksmanship, riding his Honda Gullwing motorcycle, snowmobiling in the winter, and traveling overseas with his sister, Janis. One of his greatest joys was enjoying the incredible cooking of his beloved wife, Janet, who was a fantastic chef and filled their home with wonderful meals and lasting memories around the table. He valued friendship, especially that of his childhood best friend Jon Winans, along with many coworkers and companions, including Don Adams.

In South Carolina, Peter became a proud grandfather to McKenzie Cooper Cunningham. He also opened his heart and home as a foster parent to several children, including Hannah, Katie, Sammy, Jonathan, Reggie, Michelle, Tia, Christopher, and Savanna.

He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Cunningham of Conway, SC; his son, Peter Cunningham, and daughter-in-law, Shauna Cunningham, of Trabuco Canyon, CA; his granddaughter, McKenzie Cunningham of Conway, SC; his sister, Janis Cunningham-Herslow, and brother-in-law, John Herslow, of Springtown, PA.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet Lynn Cunningham (November 28, 2015); his son, Daniel Jon Cunningham (November 4, 2014); and his parents, Peter and Florence Cunningham.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 15, at 10:00 a.m. at McMillan-Small Funeral Home, 910 67th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572.

Peter will be remembered for his independence, strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, and deep love for his family.

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