Donald R. Cunningham

Donald Richard Cunningham age 72, of Erie, passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at his daughter's residence in Wattsburg after a long battle with COPD. He was born in Erie on June 1, 1953. He was the son of the late Raymond & Virginia Cunningham, & late Carol (Rogers) Eller. He was preceded in death by the love of his life JoAnn Anselent, his baby sister Robin Cunningham, Brother-in-law David Sauers Sr, & granddaughter De’Ana Berry. Survivors include his daughter Tanya Berry, Step-son Anthony Czulewicz (Tarah), parented & mentored Nicholas Fiolek (Missie). Sibling Survivors include: Linda Saurers, Shawn Cunningham, Beverly Best (David), Gary Cunningham (Cindy), Michael Cunningham (Holly), Timothy Cunningham (Stephanie) & Aunt Kay Cunningham. Grandchildren include: Dean Jr., Bryan, Adeyna, Samuel, MadisonRose (Larry), his dear Jacob, Steven, Jonas, & Nick Jr. Great grandchildren include: Lily, Greyson, Martin, Austin, Le’Dena, Devon & Cayden.

He worked at the family gas station while working for the Northfolk & Southern Rail Road & retired after 43 years of service. He was a very passionate biker enthusiast and was proud he had the honors to ride next to many of out of state & local patched brothers. He was a founding father of the Lower East Side Federation committing to helping the success & growth of the LEF and enjoyed the participation in the training of the Black & Blue bouts in his younger years. He was a professional drummer & back up singer for many years, on call for the surrounding tri-area of PA filling in for mainstream wh popular artists. His local success as a professional drummer included Black Diamond, local Country Western, where he received certificate of appreciation awards from We Love Erie Days & Tri-Country Bluegrass Music Assoc. and signed by label, Tate Music Group, his band Blood Tree released its first album “The Mission” where the song had its 1st video release in the U.S. He donated his time & mentored many youth how to play drums including several of his grandchildren. The drums, model air planes/tanks, & toy trains were amongst some of his greatest passions that he cherished the memories he made with his younger siblings & grandchildren playing & building with.

To him his greatest accomplishments were spoiling spending time with his grandchildren and brought him great joy in buying them “Mickey Dee’s” often and taking them to “Wally World” riding any and all rides with them. While at the near the end stages of COPD, he weathered to be able to give his granddaughter away to her husband in 2024 which he treasured. Keeping up with the persona of strength was everything to him. 

Special friends include Chuckie Dunar who visited frequently, Shawn Schwab whom he spent countless hours on the phone with, Gary Arnold, Gary Taraski, David George, neighbors Wally, Alli, & Richard amongst many nieces, nephews, cousins & dear friends whom he loved & appreciated greatly. 

Relatives and friends are invited to Davis - Garr Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc. 459 East 12th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16503 on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 5:00 PM until the time of his Funeral Service at 7:00 PM with Pastor Tony Hess officiating. Please bring memories to share! In leu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to cover funeral expenses. Online condolences and donations may be sent to Davisgarrfuneralhome.com.
 

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