Rita J. (Sbarra) Cunningham

Mrs. Rita J. (Sbarra) Cunningham, age 77, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at the Heritage Health Care Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on March 19, 1930, Rita was the daughter of the late Vincenzo and Michelina (Carcone) Sbarra. She was raised and educated locally, attending T. R. Proctor High School and then the Utica School of Beauty Culture. On September 30, 1950 she married Robert J. Cunningham, Jr., with whom she shared 56 years in a loving union. Rita was a hairdresser by vocation, operating out of her parents’ home. She was also employed by Carl Cleaners and later Progressive Cleaners as a presser. Lastly, she worked at Nation R, now known as ACS in the check processing department. A loving person, Rita always put others before herself. She had an affinity for animals, and cared for her pets. She was a communicant of St. Agnes Church. Rita is survived by her husband Bob; her sons and daughter-in-law, Robert J. III and Terri Cunningham of Schuyler, and Richard J. Cunningham of Utica; and her grandchildren, Richard Cunningham, Jr. of Utica, and Rob Cunningham IV of Schuyler. Also surviving is her brother and sister-in-law, Vincent “Butch” and Donna Sbarra of White Lake; her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and sister-in-law, Louise Sbarra of Utica. She was predeceased by her brother, Louis Sbarra, her sisters and brothers-in-law, Concetta “Jessie” and Joseph V. Maggio, and Rose and Peter Cerminaro. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Heritage Health Care Center, especially the 2nd floor Rehabilitation Dept. and the 4th floor for their help and concern. In keeping with Rita’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Rita’s Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Friday morning at 10:00 at St. Agnes Church. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Rita’s name to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place at St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Rita J. (Sbarra) Cunningham

March 19, 1930 - April 24, 2007