Jeffrey D. "Jeff" Cunningham

WINTERPORT - Jeffrey D. "Jeff" Cunningham, 72, passed away September 30, 2026, after a brief illness. He was born October 30, 1953, in Bangor, the son of Merlin "Turk" and Nellie (Crooker) Cunningham.

Jeff was a hardworking man and a proud member of the Massachusetts Laborers' Union, Local 1377, for more than 35 years. Through his work, he helped build several improvements at Acadia National Park and oversaw construction of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge. He took great pride in work that added to the beauty of Maine.

But it was outdoors where he was most at home. An avid fisherman, hunter and boater, Jeff was honored in 2016 with a nomination for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's Annual Lifetime Outdoor Achievement Award. Some of his most treasured memories were made on Duck Lake alongside his brothers and his cousin Kennie, whom he always considered a brother. He also relished quiet time on his porch watching nature, taking a particular interest in birds, especially crows. He loved photography and took thousands of photos of wildlife, friends and family.

Jeff had a lifelong passion for classic cars and spent many happy days at the Winterport Dragway. He was exceptional at math, loved working in his garden, and had a deep love of music, especially bluegrass. He was quick with a joke, generous with his love, and never happier than when surrounded by the people who mattered most to him, especially at the gatherings at his home, with the barbecue going and a game of horseshoes underway. He loved fishing and hunting with Kennie, his brother-in-law Rollie Brown, his nephew Jamie Cunningham, and his many other nephews and cousins. His dog, Bear, was his loyal companion and lifelong friend.

He was predeceased by his parents, Merlin "Turk" and Nellie Cunningham; his brothers, Dana, Skip, Steve, Junior, and Ronnie Cunningham; and his sister, Marcia. He is survived by his daughter, Krista Dienhart, her husband, Tim, and their children, Jacob and Hannah; his son, Damien Cunningham, and his significant other, Eiranne Hart; his brother, Andy Cunningham; his sisters, Dianna Moore, and Vicky Brown and her husband, Rollie; his former wife and friend, Sharon Cunningham; and several cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jeff's laughter, kindness, and love for the outdoors will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

At the family's request, services will be private. Condolences may be expressed to the family at SimpleCremationofMaine.com.