Joseph B. Cunningham

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph B. Cunningham, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who left us on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026. Born on Wednesday, July 30th, 1947, in Newark, Ohio, Joe was a cherished resident of Frazeysburg, OH, where he touched the lives of many with his kindness and generosity. He never met a stranger.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Cunningham, his mother, Cordelia Cunningham, and his devoted wife, Cynthia K. Cunningham, whom he married on January 7, 1967. They shared a beautiful life together until Cynthia’s passing in 2025; sister, Virginia Rine; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Sullivan; and Brother-in-law, John Sullivan.

Joe is survived by his loving daughter, Lisa, and her husband Ernie Alexander of Zanesville. He was the proud grandfather of Heather (Jarrod) Davis, Caitlin (Bobby) Davis, Mykaela (Mackenzy) Shultz, Skylar (Kaitlyn) Novaria all of Zanesville, and Brandyn (Mark) Davis of Phoenix AZ; great-grandchildren, Kaveion and Ryleigh Davis, Rowan, Jett, Radlie, Mykel, Rae’Lynn Shultz and Luke Novaria; sister-in-law, Sheila (and the late Charlotte) Sullivan of Columbus. He also leaves behind his special nephew, Jeff Rine. Special friends, Bonnie and the late Mike Scott, Tom Brown and Joey Stevens.

Joe attended Union High School and was a dedicated and hardworking man. He retired from Bowerston Shale Company in Hanover for nearly 42 years as a truck driver. Joe enjoyed tinkering on his lawnmowers in the garage he was also known as Joe’s Lawnmowers. He was recently presented with a plaque, as an honorary member of the Mary Ann Township Fire Department for 2026.

Joe’s favorite pastime was fishing with his special fishing buddy Joey Stevens. Friends and family will remember his tales of “The Big One That Got Away” rather if it was fishing or hunting. He also enjoyed having his poker parties with the guys in the garage. He also was a longtime member of Street Survivors Car Club and enjoyed going to car shows and showing his ’67 Mustang GT (Midnight Star). To those who loved him, Joe was known for his boundless spirit and warm smile. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the life he lived and the memories he gave us. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service in Newark is honored to care for Joe and his family during this difficult time.

Joe’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the indelible mark he left on all who knew him. May he rest in peace, forever remembered and cherished. The family would like to Thank the Mary Ann Fire Department and the nurses and staff at The Morrison House in Zanesville for their excellent care in his time of need.