Frank J. Cunning of Hanover, formerly of Marshfield, passed away on August 9, 2020 with his loving family by his side, at the age of 89. Beloved husband of Virginia (Cobb) Cunning; loving father of Linda Allen and husband Mark of Norwell, Frank J. Cunning, Jr., of Scituate, Michael Cunning and Sandy Scott of Duxbury, Sharon Perfetti and husband Christopher of Humarock, Brian Cunning and Fatma Kurtoglu of Mashpee; cherished grandfather of Sarah, Michael, Jacqueline, Zachary, Thomas, Caroline, and great-grandchildren Talon and Emmett. Son of the late Michael J. and Rose (Garrity) Cunning, Frank is also predeceased by his brother, Joseph Cunning, but leaves a sister in-law, Ellen Cunning of Cohasset and two nephews, Sean and Michael Cunning.

Frank was born and raised in Marshfield where he lived with his father and mother, Jim and Rose, and younger brother Joe. Frank loved being involved in his town and surrounding community. He was a star athlete and Four-Year Letterman at Marshfield High School, playing football, basketball, and running track. He served as the Vice President of his graduating class and was a volunteer firefighter in Marshfield in his spare time. He met his high school sweetheart, Gini, in 1949 and they both went on to graduate from Marshfield High School in 1950.

After graduation, Frank enlisted in the Draft, and entered the Air Force in 1951. He trained as an aircraft mechanic at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas and was deployed to Prestwick, Scotland. He returned home briefly to marry the love of his life, Gini (also known as "Oh Great One"), on August 29, 1953 at the Church of the Assumption in Green Harbor, Marshfield. The two embarked to Scotland on the maiden voyage of the USS United States, where they enjoyed a brief honeymoon before Frank returned to his duties. Gini remained in Scotland with Frank until 1954, when they came home to welcome their first child. Frank was then discharged from the Air Force in 1955 and he and Gini moved to Marshfield Hills to begin raising a family.

Frank was patient, handy, and learned things quickly. He was a master craftsman, working as an electrician full-time, while building his own home where he and Gini raised five children. Despite both working full-time jobs they made time to be involved in their children's lives and the town they loved. Frank coached youth baseball and football and umpired a men's softball league. He also loved attending his own children's sporting events and watching the Red Sox and Patriots with his family.

Frank and Gini became "Grampy Frank" and "Gigi" in 1983, when their first grandchild was born, and the names have stuck for all six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Grampy Frank was kind, compassionate, and always willing to lend a hand. He was the first to call with any electrical or contractual question and helped build many of his children's homes. He loved to grill, attend his grandchildren's sporting events, and play UNO on holidays and Friday pizza nights with a Heineken in hand.

Frank and Gini retired and moved to New Bern, NC in 2003 where they built a beautiful home on a golf course. They enjoyed the warmer southern weather and spending time with many great neighbors. They lived in this home until 2017, when they returned to Hanover, MA to be near their family. Frank was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He made a lasting impact on many and will be greatly missed.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Christine Parish Church, 1295 Main Street in Marshfield. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Couch Cemetery, off Union Street in Marshfield.

For online guest book and driving directions please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com