LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of
Dr. Joseph N. Cunningham, Jr., distinguished citizen and devoted member
of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Renowned cardiac surgeon, Dr. Joseph N. Cunningham, Jr.
passed away on Monday, February 21, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Joseph Cunningham distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, A 1966 graduate from the University of Alabama School of
Medicine, Dr. Joseph Cunningham came to Maimonides Medical Center,
Brooklyn, New York, in 1982 as the Chief of Surgery, eventually becoming
the Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives; and
WHEREAS, During his time with Maimonides Medical Center, Dr. Joseph
Cunningham created high level, renowned cardiac and general surgical
programs and initiated important clinical research; furthermore, he
recruited leading surgeons from around the country and trained gener-
ations of new surgical leaders; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Joseph Cunningham's talents and leadership led Maimonides
Medical Center to national and international recognition for medical
excellence; and
WHEREAS, A dynamic leader and forward thinking physician, Dr. Joseph
Cunningham's medical skills were matched only by the kindness and
compassion he showed to his patients; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Joseph Cunningham's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, includ-
ing charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Joseph Cunningham is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie;
his children, Teresa Korn, Lori Cunningham, Stefani Tower, Jessica
Cunningham, Gaynor Cunningham and Joseph Cunningham; and his grandchil-
dren, Shelby, Andrea, Simone, Ruby and Lyla; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Dr. Joseph Cunningham
leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and
will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the life and accomplishments of Dr. Joseph N. Cunningham,
Jr., distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Dr. Joseph N. Cunningham, Jr.