Brian Kelly Cunningham

Brian Kelly Cunningham, age 42, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 21, 1981, he is the son of William F. Cunningham Jr. and Patricia A. (Kelly) Cunningham. Brian was raised in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston and graduated from Trinity Catholic High School in Newton with the class of 2000. Following graduation, Brian began his career in the plumbing field eventually starting his own plumbing company, BC Plumbing & Heating, in 2012. 

Brian married his high school sweetheart, Colleen M, (Cotton) Cunningham in 2009 and together they made their home in Roslindale before settling in Dedham. More recently, Brian and Colleen made their home in Walpole with their 3 children, LB (Brian), Mackenzie, and Benny. 

The epitome of a family man, nothing made Brian happier than spending time with his family. He was a loving husband and an amazing father. Brian devoted all his free time to his kids, whether it was coaching his son’s KPW hockey team, helping out at Walpole Little League games, sitting in the front row to cheer his daughter on at cheerleading or leading the neighborhood in a game of zombies. Brian cherished every minute that he was able to spend with his children. His love for family carried well past his wife and children, as he was known as the favorite uncle by his nieces and nephews. 

Brian’s larger than life personality and his ability to light up a room with his smile found him tremendous friendship wherever he went, quickly turning friends into family. Brian had a passion for helping others, reaching out a helping hand to anyone in need. He strived to find the good in every person he met. He was the guy that anyone would want in their corner, providing good sound advice or a shoulder to lean on. Brian had a positive impact on every person that he met. 

As a child, Brian found his love for the water while spending summers on Cape Cod. He looked forward to days full of fishing, quahogging and searching for mussels along the shoreline. Brian’s love for fishing carried through his life, finding any excuse to cast his line into the water, whether from the shore or out on a chartered trip. At the end of the day, Brian looked forward to coming home and cooking what he caught, as much as telling the story of the big catch over dinner. 

With a legacy of family, his loss is felt most by those he leaves behind. He was the beloved husband of Colleen M. (Cotton) Cunningham and the loving father of LB Cunningham, Mackenzie Cunningham, and Benny Cunningham all of Walpole. Devoted son of Patty Cunningham of Westwood and Bill Cunningham and his longtime partner, Gail Crosby, of Dedham. Cherished brother of Billy Cunningham of Methuen and Shannon Cunningham of Dedham. Son- in -law to Charlie and Maryanne Cotton of West Roxbury. Revered brother-in-law of Charlie Cotton and his wife Erin of Rockland, Kristen Cotton of West Roxbury, Emily Cotton and partner, Dave Hogan, of Norwood, and Megan Sheehan and her husband Patrick of Norwood. Best friend to Taki Fanouriakis and his wife Erin of Randolph. Favorite uncle to Haley, James, Lily, Lucy, Emme, Charlie, Zoey, and Charli. Brian is survived by many loving members of his extended family and friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Brian’s Life Celebration on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, from 4 to 8 pm at the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. 

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 10:30 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole. Interment will follow at Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Brian's name may be made to KPW Youth Hockey, with checks payable to KPW Family Assistance Fund, P.O. Box 762, Walpole, MA 02081.