GLENS FALLS – John “Griz” Cunningham, 74, of Glens Falls, passed away on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Slate Valley Health & Rehabilitation in Granville, after a long illness.
Born on August 12, 1947, in Long Island City, NY, he was the son of the late Hamilton and Hazel (Karshner) Cunningham.
After graduating high school, John enlisted in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, where he obtained rank of Petty Officer 1st Class. During is enlistment John served two tours in Vietnam which he was incredibly proud of and spoke of often. John finished his military career as a US Navy Seabee.
On July 2, 1995, he married Valerie Russo at the American Legion in South Glens Falls.
After working several years, he retired from Native Textiles in Glens Falls. When he wasn’t working, Griz enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and NASCAR, especially, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and Jr.
He was a member of the Upstate Model Railroaders and the Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club, where he met many lifelong friends. Griz loved riding his motorcycle, listening to classic rock, going to garage sales and assembling model cars. He was an avid reader and could make a beautiful work of art, cross stitching. Griz loved telling stories about anything and everything. From the moment his mouth opened, you were hooked and listened intently. He instantly liked everyone he met and those he met, instantly liked him. Griz could get along with just about everyone. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Griz loved spending time with his family, his motorcycle brothers and his friends from the Train Club.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by several aunts.
He will be missed by his wife of 27 years, Valerie Cunningham; his daughter, Cheryl Dupuis and her husband, Jim; his grandchildren, Mikayla Anderson and Kobi Dupuis; his two dogs, “the girls”, Misty and Zoey.
A Graveside service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 6, 2022, at Gerald B.H. Solomon-Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, in Schuylerville.
The family suggests that memorial donations be made to any local veteran agency.
