Steven M Cunningham

Olivebridge-

Steven (Steve) Murray Cunningham flew free from this realm on Tuesday,
October 17 th , 2023, at home, surrounded by his fiancée, Liz de Nesnera,
friend Leanne Avery, and his devoted aide Evans Ouma.
Born in Minneapolis, MN, Steve spent most of his life and career in Los
Angeles, CA. He retired from The University of Southern California
Thornton School of Music as Assistant Professor of Music Technology.
Steve was also a video game lover, 1965 Ford Ranchero enthusiast,
website designer, lover of all things MAC, and one of the go-to sound
engineers of the voiceover community.
Although growing up skipping 7 th period in high school to go surfing (a sport
he continued to enjoy until his 50’s), Steve fell in love with the Catskills
when he fell in love with Liz and she “imported” him East. He discovered
the joy of seeing cardinals and fireflies right outside the back deck of the
home he and Liz shared in Olivebridge. He never lost his child-like wonder
and awe at the greens of summers, colors of autumn, and was even OK
with shoveling snow!
Steve was a musician through and through. Keyboards were his main
instrument, but he could play guitar, bass, sax, flute, and his beloved
Hammond B3 Organ (Yes, he had the Leslie to go with it!). Once he moved
to the Catskills, he became passionate about pedal steel guitars, and was
in the midst of learning how to play one when he fell ill. Steve was also on
the forefront of music technology and was drawn to synthesizers early in
their development. He spent years on the road in various bands (including
one called “Cheese” with his brother). He played keyboards in Bette
Midler’s band on her “Rose” tour, and was a session player for Toto.
But most of all, Steve loved his family, and being of Service. He said the
best job he ever had was being a father to his son Alan (who he called AJ).
Steve and his brother, Jim, were as close as brothers could be, and even
with a country between them, they stayed in touch regularly. Steve also
started every day of their lives together by telling Liz how much he loved
her. True to his giving spirit, as soon as he moved to the Catskills Steve
dove into Service to his Community. He will be so missed.
Steve is survived by the Love of his life Liz, his son Alan, his brother Jim,
daughter-in-law Emma, sister-in-law Suzanne, granddaughters Ellie and

Aubrey, niece Mackenzie, nephew Connor, aide Evans, countless friends
and colleagues all over the world, and the three furry felines he adored.
Je t’aime, mon amour.
The family would like to express their unending gratitude to Steve’s aide
Evans, who was with him for the last 16 months, and to the A-Team of
Hudson Valley Hospice: January, Annie, Marina, Terri, Courtnie, Sally, and
Kate (and all the other Hospice workers who tended to Steve). “Thank you”
doesn’t come close to expressing the love we feel for you all.
A gathering to celebrate Steve’s life will be held privately in the coming
months. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to
hvhospice.org. You may share a special memory, photo, or condolence on
Steve’s Tribute Wall at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com

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