Franklin Cunneen

Franklin J. Cunneen, age 90 of Allendale, NJ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday
March 3, 2026 after a decade long struggle with Parkinson’s.  Franklin leaves behind
three sons and nine grandchildren.   He set an example of hard work and faith with a
strong commitment to what is true and fair.  His sons and grandchildren all aspire to live
out this enduring character trait which was so dear to him.
Franklin went by Frank to most who knew him.  To his boys he was “Dad”, to their
children, “Grandpa” and to Elaine, his wife of 30 years, “Ducks.”  He had many friends
and he loved to go and do things.  He enjoyed baseball, shooting, fishing of all kinds,
growing tomatoes, aquariums, and dining in or out with family.
Frank was born in New Rochelle, NY, on October 10, 1935, to Frank and Agnes [nee
Devitt] Cunneen.  He was the third generation to live in New Rochelle starting with his
grandfather, Danny Cunneen who emigrated from Ireland.  Frank had a younger
brother, Robert “Bob” by about 8 years. They were close but maintained their
independence, each with their own interests and sets of friends.  They both had a
profound love and respect for their mother who was smart, patient and loving to them
and all around her.
Living in South New Rochelle, Frank attended Holy Name Church and the local public
schools graduating at 17 from New Rochelle High School in 1953. He loved riding his
bike all over town and was always ready for a game or an adventure with his friends. 
He and Bob would spend many summer days at the Davenport Club along the Long
Island Sound with friends and family.  In high school he would jog to school and pitch for
the high school baseball team.
Frank started working at an early age. He was a “soda jerk” (look it up, it was a real
thing) and delivered prescriptions on his bike think of young George Baily in It’s a
Wonderful Life.  He also delivered newspapers, caddied, and had many other odd jobs.
Frank and his friends loved practical jokes like putting a teacher's little VW out on a
small island about 20’ offshore on the High School Lake.  Light enough for 8 boys to
carry but not so for the teacher, who would laugh and ask if they would be so kind as to
bring his car back to where he could drive it.
Frank was inspired by an upper classman, Howard D’ Marco who joined the Marines
and spoke well of the impact it had on him and the people with whom he served.  This
was enough for Frank who joined right after high school in 1953 at the age of 17 during
the Korean war.  The next three years would be the most impactful on him based on his
disciplined approach to all things and the stories he would share with his sons and
friends.  Frank finished boot camp and was assigned to the Aircraft Carrier Bennington
where he sailed the pacific including ports in Japan, HK, Philippines and many others. 
He later trained and served with Marine Recon where he finished his enlistment as a
Marine Sargent.

After leaving the Marines at the age of 20 he worked in advertising and then sales jobs
for Pop Rivet and Frieden business equipment. Over the next 8 years while working full
time and maintaining friendships, he  put himself through Iona College at night to
achieve his BA using the same discipline that he learned in the service  During this time
Frank met and married his first wife Pat Veit, and they had a short marriage of 2 years
during which time, his eldest son, Daniel born.   Despite the divorce, he remained active
in Dan’s life and took an active role in raising Dan, instilling purpose, faith and drive. 
Frank then found the beginning of his true professional interest while directing Catholic
church and diocese fundraising campaigns for CCS (Community Counseling Services)
in NY, Boston and then Buffalo before taking a Development Director position for St.
Raphael’s Hospital in New Haven, CT.  He worked in this position for ten years before
starting Cunneen Parish Fundraising Services.  CPFS which leveraged a new
technology called word processing, to run a five-week letter campaign to increase
weekly church offerings by at least 25-50%.
During this time, he met and married Elaine Lucia in 1970.   They raised their two sons
Jim and John in North Haven, CT and always included Dan in the family even though
Dan remained in New Rochelle.  Frank maintained deep and lasting ties with many
neighbors and business leaders in and around the New Haven area.  He built his family
and his life there with occasional trips to his favorite vacation spot in Duck Key, FL
where he would engage in his favorite hobby, fishing.
Frank loved fishing. Especially with his sons.  Jim shared this love of fishing and the
time they spent together was precious to Frank in every way.  Lake, Ocean, River, he
loved it all and was eager to learn and master each domain.  He purchased boats and
looked for any opportunity to get out on the water and do what he loved with those he
loved.
Frank sold CPFS to his sons Jim and John and retired with frequent travel between CT
and FL for many years.  In his 80’s Parkinson’s symptoms began to present, and a
diagnosis followed a few years later.  As always Frank fought bravely using all his ability
to maintain independence until it was no longer possible.  He moved to NJ in 2025 to be
near family and close to Dan who could help him manage the final stages of his full life.
Friends of Frank and his family may visit with family at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home
257 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff, NJ from 7pm to 8:30pm on Monday, March 9, 2026.
Interment will be at the Brigadier William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery in Hightstown, NJ
at 11:30am Tuesday, March 10 in the chapel.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations / contributions in Franklin’s memory may be made
to your church or any church that is actively building the kingdom of God.  It seems the
most fitting way to honor the work he did and the purpose that work served.

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