Dean W. Cunningham's Obituary
Dean W. Cunningham, 79, of Deptford, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with two forms of cancer. Born in Mount Holly, NJ, to Joseph C. and Teresa S. (née Horvath) Cunningham, Dean spent his childhood in Maple Shade and had resided in Deptford since 1990. Dean attended Merchantville High School, where he played football and baseball and developed a lifelong love of running. He went on to attend West Virginia University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance. During his college years, he was a standout track athlete who competed in the prestigious Penn Relays at Franklin Field, running the 100-yard dash in 10.1 seconds. Dean became a Certified Public Accountant in Virginia, where he worked for a Washington, D.C. firm. Among his notable clients are many Judges. In the late 1970s, he returned to New Jersey, obtained his NJ CPA license, and established his own accounting firm in Deptford. He continued to serve his clients — many of whom he considered dear friends — until the time of his passing. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. In 1997, he received a special invitation to board the USS Nimitz in San Diego. He was also honored as an invited guest at the White House, where he met and had lunch with President Bill Clinton. Dean is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Jo Ann DePersia, with whom he shared 37 years together including 25 blessed years of marriage. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings: Janet (the late Matthew) DeLaurentis, Roy Cunningham, and Dr. Bruce (the late Gloria) Cunningham. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Jeannie A. Adams (née Cunningham); his granddaughters, Adriana Adams and Alyssa Adams; his brother, Glenn (Nancy) Cunningham; his sister-in-law, Patricia Cunningham; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and acquaintances, Melissa and John Kitchin. Dean loved to travel, visiting numerous state and national parks, museums, and Broadway theaters. He was a devoted season ticket holder of the Philadelphia Phillies and cherished golfing every Tuesday with his wife and spending summers in Wildwood Crest. Above all, Dean loved sharing God’s Word and His love with everyone he met. He lived his life grounded in Faith.
A gathering to celebrate Dean’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Givnish Funeral Home of Maple Shade. His funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m., officiated by Rev. Robert Ralph. Interment will take place at Locustwood Memorial Park, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dean’s memory to Grace Mission Bible Training Center, P.O. Box 1035, Paragould, AR 72451.
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