Foundation News

The David Louis Cunha Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Smithfield, Rhode Island which was established on January 13, 2015 upon the sudden passing of David Cunha.  David’s Foundation’s mission is to positively impact the lives of children living with terminal and life-threatening medical conditions.  Whether making the dream of a special life experience a reality, or providing financial assistance to the family to help ease the burden of medical expenses, David’s Foundation is committed to these children. David’s Foundation also supports children who are in need of compassion and a helping hand in their daily lives, and the local agencies and groups dedicated to serving those children. Additionally, David’s Foundation awards two annual scholarships to Smithfield High School graduating seniors who excel in community service and embody the generous heart that defined David.

David was the beloved son of Peter and Cheryl Cunha of Smithfield, Rhode Island.

David was born with a single heart ventricle with transposition. At ten days of age, David underwent a pulmonary artery banding. At one and a half years, he underwent his first open heart surgery - a Glen shunt. At four years old, he underwent his second open heart surgery - a Fontan. At five years old, he received a pacemaker. Now, because David was such an active and ALIVE little boy, he went through several pacemaker wire replacements...much to the anxiety of his parents and doctors, but through it all, David was the epitome of courage and strength, and truly an inspiration to all who knew him. Both a beautiful smile and friendly character were his trademarks.

David was a 2012 graduate of Smithfield High School and a member of the National Honor Society. He was a Junior at Rhode Island College, where he majored in Mass Media Communications, making the Dean's List. He served as a Senate Page for six years. He was also employed at the law office of Senator Stephen Archambault.

David was a vibrant young man who was full of life. He was very active in community service and volunteered for many organizations including the Matty Fund, A Wish Come True, Special Olympics, Best Buddies and Providence Back to School Celebration. He was a captain of Save-the-Bay Beach Cleanup and participated in the Smithfield Police Explorer Academy. He was an altar server at Saint Michael's Church in Smithfield, served as an Assistant CCD Teacher, and was a member of the Saint Michael's CYO Basketball Team.

David was loved and will be forever missed by his countless friends and family.  David was and continues to be a true inspiration to all who knew him.  A warm & giving heart and a strong & admirable character were David's trademarks.

To contribute to David's Foundation, donations can be made to The David Louis Cunha Foundation, 563 Log Road, Smithfield, RI 02917.

S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

____________

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
EXPRESSING OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THE UNTIMELY PASSING OF DAVID LOUIS CUNHA

Introduced By: Senators Archambault, Paiva Weed, Ruggerio, Lombardo, and Lombardi
Date Introduced: January 20, 2015
Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

1 WHEREAS, As parents, we all hope and believe that the life of a young person holds the promise of bright tomorrows and soon to be climbed summits, and so it is with utmost sadness that this Senate learned of the untimely passing of David Louis Cunha, the beloved son of Peter and Cheryl Cunha; and

WHEREAS, David was blessed with the love of his large extended family. He was the dearly loved maternal grandson of the late Louis and Rosalie Mele, and the cherished paternal grandson of William A. Cunha Sr., and his companion, Beverly Chappron, and the late Barbara Cunha. He also leaves several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many, many friends; and

WHEREAS, Upon graduation from Smithfield High School, where he had been a member of the National Honor Society, David enrolled at Rhode Island College where he was a junior majoring in Mass Media Communications; and

WHEREAS, An active, caring, and articulate young man, David had volunteered for many charitable causes including the Matty Fund, A Wish Come True, the Special Olympics, Best Buddies, and the Providence Back to School Celebration. In addition, he had served as a page for the Rhode Island State Senate for the past six years for Senator Stephen Archaumbault and previously for former Senator Tassoni, and had been an intern in the Office of the General Treasurer; and

WHEREAS, David possessed a vibrant and courageous spirit. He loved sports, life, and 19 his family and his friends, particularly his best buds, Nick Patrie and Karina Raposa. He had been the captain of the Save-the-Bay Beach Cleanup and was a participant in the Smithfield Police Explorer Academy. He had also been an alter server at St. Michael's Church as well as an Assistant CCD teacher, and member of the church CYO Basketball Team; and

WHEREAS, The most fitting tribute to David Cunha would be a celebration of his life, a life in which each and every day was lived fully and joyfully embraced. He was fortunate to have always enjoyed the total love and support of his family, and in return he enriched the lives of all around him. He will be dearly missed and always remembered; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby expresses our heartfelt condolences to the entire Cunha Family on the passing of David Louis Cunha; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Peter and Cheryl Cunha.

========

LC000538

========

PDF Version
State_RI_GA