Former leatherneck bad ass, Joseph L. Cunningham, made the big trip on January 21, 2017 one day after his 85th birthday. Joe was the son of the late John J. Cunningham and Ivabelle (Stickle). He was brother to Wallace Cunningham, Pauline Reid, and the late Harry Cunningham. A New Castle native, Cunningham lived his entire life in Lawrence County, with the exception of service in his beloved Marine Corps from 1949-1952, and some brief stints in the wilds of Alaska where he worked to help support his young family and bride Dollie (Brown), who preceded him in death in 2012. Joe and Dollie were married for 56 years. They raised five children together: Nancy (Doug) Richards of New Castle, Jolene (Rick) OCallaghan of Aurora OH, Cindy (George) Seymore of Middleburg FL, Georgette (Ron) Noullet of Economy PA and Wally (Susan) Cunningham of Cambridge Springs PA. Pappy Joe had the pleasure of being the grandfather of twelve: Emily (Mike), Ben, Haley, Hannah, Conor, Norah, Trevor, RJ, Josie, Walker, Brock and Carly. He also would have been great-grandfather to Jorgia, who will make her appearance in February. Joe finished his career as a plant superintendent at REMACOR in West Pittsburg in 1997, however, he should have considered being Mayor of New Castle because he seemed to know everyone. There wasnt an establishment in town, whether it be a local restaurant or grocery store where Joe didnt run into someone he knew and given the opportunity, have a story to share with them. Joe lived his life by the USMC, Semper Fi motto. He was commandant of the New Castle Detachment 788 Marine Corps League and had served as head of their Toys for Tots campaign throughout Lawrence County. Joe was a member of the VFW and Gripers Club. A 72-year member and former elder of Highland Presbyterian Church, Joe will be a missing piece of that congregation, but know that this God loving man enjoyed his time on earth and was ready to turn this page over, and keep on going. Friends and family can celebrate Joes life on Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home, 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle, PA 16105, where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Rev. Richard Kinney will officiate. Burial will take place in Mt. Hermon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Highland Presbyterian Church, 708 Highland Avenue, New Castle PA, 16101 or Toys for Tots, c/o Chuck Harvey, 506 Boston Avenue, New Castle PA 16101. Online condolences can be left and viewed by visiting www.cunnighamfh.com.