John Edward Cuneo entered eternal rest on April 28, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Son of the late Edward John and Marion (Basso) Cuneo, he was born on April 22, 1939 in Brooklyn, NY, on the opening day of the 1939 NY World’s Fair. Airplanes flew overhead as part of the Fair’s opening ceremonies, a foreshadowing of his eventual career in aviation.
John graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in the Bronx and went on to receive a BS in Business Administration from NYU in NYC. He attended the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate Course (OCC) during the Vietnam Era. In 1963, John’s life forever changed when he met and fell in love with his future wife, Lucille (Brady). With her encouragement following their wedding, he pursued his passion for flying and entered pilot training at Burnside-Ott Aviation in Opa Locka, FL. John returned home and entered into service with the New York State Police, retiring after 20 years with the rank of Sergeant – Station Commander. He was last assigned to the Aviation Unit, where he piloted fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft. Upon retirement, he continued his passion for flying: first as a line pilot for Command Airways followed by a career as Operations Aviation Inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration, where he worked in both Flight Standards District and International Flight Standards Offices.
Following his retirement from the FAA, John and Lucille moved to the Town of Newburgh from their long-time residence in Montgomery. John enjoyed family, travelling cross country in their Ford F-150 “King Ranch”, cooking, music, attending monthly meetings held by the Association of Former New York State Troopers, and especially “grandparenting” Jack and Natalie.
John is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Lucille; a son John E. Cuneo Jr. (with whom he shared his love of flying), his wife Barbara, and cherished grandchildren Jack and Natalie; a son Christopher P. Cuneo (with whom he shared his love of sports and witty sense of humor), his wife Nancy and Nancy’s children and grandchildren; John’s beloved nieces Janet and Diane Canepa, and his treasured cousins; Catherine, Louise, Robert, Mary, and Anthony (deceased).
John was a much loved and respected husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, grandson, brother-in-law, uncle, godfather to his extended Brady family; and friend to many (especially his childhood friend, Paul). He loved his family, friends, pets, Country, and the life God blessed him with.
John was predeceased by his dearly loved parents, grandmother, older sister Veronica and her husband Edward Canepa, and the many family members who were a significant part of his life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Newburgh, NY on May 5, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Funeral arrangements and services provided by Millspaugh Funeral Directors. Graveside services will take place at the Orange County Veterans Cemetery, Goshen, NY on 12:15 PM.
The family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to Hospice for their compassionate support for John and his family. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
For directions or condolences please visit millspaughfuneralhome.com