03/06/2020
Michael Verner Cunningham, 19, of Fort Hunt, VA, died May 31, 2020 as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident near Mount Vernon. He was born February 20, 2001, the son of Michael and Karen (Soballe) Cunningham. Growing up as a member of St. Rita Parish, he attended Bishop Ireton High School and played football and rugby, graduating in 2019 from West Potomac High School. He attended Virginia Tech, where he was a business major and a member of Pi Kappa Alpha.
Michael was a young man of great strength – a humble and happy warrior. He was true to his namesakes, St. Michael the Archangel, his confirmation St. Andrew and his great grandfather Navy Captain Verner Soballe, whose striking resemblance he bore. He looked out for his family and supported his friends without counting the cost. His Catholic faith was an integral part of his life, and he shared that faith with others. Whether he was stubbornly cleaning the floor until the job was done, or cheering on a classmate and helping him study, he was always serving. If you were one of Mikey’s “people,” he had your back. What he did, he did well and with a great big smile on his face. Michael's sportsmanship and charisma made him a natural leader, trusted by coaches and looked up to by teammates. He was praised by teachers for his intelligence and for maturity well beyond his years. In his final hours, before the tragedy, Mich was doing what he loved: working with his hands. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Michael is survived by his parents Karen and Mike; sisters Megan and Marie; brother Mason; maternal grandparents Judy and Peter Soballe of San Diego, CA; paternal grandparents Margaret and Bill Cunningham of Richmond, VA; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins, who loved him dearly.
A candlelight Celebration of Life Vigil will be held on Thursday, June 4 at 6:30 P.M. at St. Louis Catholic Church, 2907 Popkins Ln, Alexandria, VA 22306. Parking will begin at 5:45 on a first come, first served basis with overflow at Bryant School and livestream at https://boxcast.tv/view/outdoor-vigil-for-michael-cunningham-481100. Family and friends may participate in the celebration vigil from the parking lot and are asked in charity to maintain a six-foot distance and to wear a mask. After Scripture readings, reflection, and music, there will be opportunity for tributes. If you would like to share a tribute, please email Mary-Kay Davidson at [email protected] to let us know you would like to speak. Due to current restrictions on the number of people who may be present in church, Michael's Mass of Christian Burial will be a private event Saturday, June 6 at 11:30 A.M. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. All are invited to watch the livestream at http://www.gs-cc.org .
Mass cards may be sent to Karen and Mike Cunningham, 8406 Blakiston Lane, Fort Hunt, VA 22308. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-the-family-of-michael-cunningham). Contributions will be donated to a cause close to Michael's heart.
