Peter James Cunningham (SPC 1957-61, PY1962)

We have been notified of the passing of Old Collegian Peter James Cunningham (SPC 1957-61, PY1962), who sadly passed away on December 2, 2020 at Casey Hospital, aged 77 years. Peter was the loving husband of Faye, his wife of 54 years, and loved father to Tim, Andrew and Olivia and dearly loved grandfather of six. He was fondly remembered having “lived, worked and played in Nar Nar Goon all his life”. Tributes also spoke of Peter and his “warm and generous heart, in a very hard man, (which) finally gave way”.

Peter Cunningham, pictured in his Leaving Class photograph, in the 1961 College Annual.

Peter was born on November 13, 1943 and was a boarder at SPC, from Nar Nar Goon, in Gippsland, along with his brothers Bryan (SPC 1956-58) (dec), Phonse (SPC 1956-58) and Daniel (SPC 1962) and cousins Gerard (SPC 1957-60) and John (SPC 1955-58).

Peter Cunningham, pictured in the First XVIII Football Team, in the 1961 College Annual.

Peter began his studies in second year and completed his leaving certificate. During his time at SPC, Peter loved participating in SPC’s many sports, including athletics, football and cricket. He was a talented sprinter and played in the Cricket Second XI. He played football for Nunan in the Oval competition and was also a member of the Second XVIII Football Team, which became BPS Champions in 1960. He was also a member of the SPC First XVIII, and the following excerpt was published in the 1961 College Annual – “AUGUST 2: College again eclipsed us on the football field, in spite of the sanguinary efforts of Peter Cunningham. Both the weather and the result of the match had a dampening effect on the boys’ spirits. However, there’s always next year!”.

Peter Cunningham, pictured in the Second XI Cricket Team, in 1961.