Death of Reverend Nicholas J. Cunningham
Reverend Nicholas J. Cunningham, Priest of the Diocese of Toledo, died on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
With hearts full of sorrow, we share the unexpected passing of the Reverend Nicholas J. Cunningham on July 25, 2026, at his residence in New Bavaria, Ohio. Born on December 13, 1953, in Toledo, Ohio, to Kenneth and Dorothy (Roudebush) Cunningham, who both preceded him in death, Fr. Nick embraced a calling to the Catholic Church that shaped every aspect of his remarkable journey, filling his years with compassion, dedication, and unwavering faith.
Fr. Nick's path was shaped early by the values that would define his life. Among his proudest accomplishments was earning the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 74, Scouting's highest honor, achieved by only a small percentage of Scouts. The principles of leadership, integrity, service, and compassion that he embraced as an Eagle Scout remained evident throughout his life and priestly ministry.
He attended St. Charles and Central Catholic High School, where his faith and commitment to serving others continued to grow. His education at The Pontifical College Josephinum prepared him for the sacred duties and joys of the priesthood, a vocation he embraced with humility, humor, and a heart open to all. In every parish he served, and especially within the loving community of New Bavaria, Fr. Nick became a beacon of hope, gentle in counsel, steadfast in faith, and always generous with his time for anyone seeking comfort, guidance, or simply a listening ear.
Fr. Nick leaves behind a tapestry of relationships woven with genuine kindness and devotion. He is survived by his beloved brother, Daniel (Wanda) Cunningham; his nieces and nephews, Kelly Peffley, Patrick Codner, Alicia (Brian) Fogt, Derrick Codner, Ellece Sperl, Billy (Emmy) Reeder, and Shawn (Nikki Rodriguez) Reeder; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Samantha, Gideon, Gabriel, Tayla, Tyler, Mia, Layla, Dakota, Aiden, and Rorke; and his special friends, Lynn and Shawn Westmeister, Sharon Elieff, and Jack Meade.
Fr. Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Dorothy Cunningham; his sisters, Myrle (William) Reeder, Patricia (Sonny) Codner, and Margaret Roberts; his nephew, Matthew Codner; and his goddaughter, Maci Westmeister. Their memories live on, enriched by the love that continues to bloom in the lives of those he touched.
Friends and parishioners are invited to pay their respects during the Reception of the Body on Thursday, July 30, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in New Bavaria, Ohio, with Vespers at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., also at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, Fr. Nick requested that memorial contributions be made to the Priest Retirement Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Zachrich Family Funeral Home in Holgate, Ohio, in cooperation with the Diocese of Toledo.
Throughout his years of faithful ministry, Fr. Nick's unwavering faith, commitment to his community, and boundless generosity touched countless lives. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, hope, and servant leadership that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him. May we honor his memory by caring for one another with the same open heart that defined his remarkable life.
May his gentle soul rest in the eternal peace of Christ.
Please remember him in your prayers, commending him to the mercy of the Lord and praying for the repose of his soul.
PARISHES: Bulletin Information
Posted July 28, 2026 at 6:36 pm