Obituary of John Cunniff

Cunniff, John “Terry,” age 78, passed away on March 26, 2019 in St. Petersburg where he had been a resident since 1981. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 12, 1940 to the late John Francis and Mary Rose (Armsey) Cunniff. Terry was part of the 1962 graduating class of The Citadel in Charleston, SC where he also made the Dean’s List. After honorably serving in the U.S. Army, he worked as a District Sales Representative for McGraw-Hill for over 35 years, serving the Pittsburgh, Columbus, Detroit, and Tampa Bay areas. He earned the distinction of Sales Representative of the Year a total of 6 times during his extensive career. Terry was active in the Catholic community, acting as President of the Parish Council and President of the Home School Association for St. Raphael Catholic Church, as well as a Lector for St. Paul’s Catholic Church, both in St. Petersburg. Along with the church, he was also active in community organizations such as the Steering Committee for the Crisis Pregnancy Center in St. Pete, as Color Corps Commander for the Frank J. Lewis Assembly, Diocese Coordinator for Membership and New Council Development for the Florida State Council, and as initiator of St. Paul’s Council (St. Pete), St. Jude’s Council (St. Pete), St. Stephen’s Council (Valrico), Fr. Michael Finnegan Council (Clearwater), and Holy Cross council (St. Pete). Terry was most active as a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus in which he was a past Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator, District Deputy, Elected Delegate to the Supreme Convention, Co-Director of VA Volunteer Services for Bay Pines, Trustee of St. Paul’s Council, and recipient of the Family of the Year Award. Terry is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Judith P. Cunniff; son, Glenn T. Cunniff (Anne); grandsons, Max and Stephen of Atlanta; sister, Karen Cunniff James (Jim) of Washington, DC; niece, Angela Bradford (Ben) of Tampa; as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Timothy Cunniff. A Memorial Mass will be held on April 13, 2019 at 10:30am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Pete with reception to follow. A Committal Service with military honors will take place privately for the family at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Terry's memory to a charity of your choice.