Melvin C. Cunningham "MelPoo" was born November 21,1948 the son of the late Mamie Cunningham. He died peacefully in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester,NY.

Melvin attended local schools and was a 1967 Graduate of NFHS. He was the only high school wrestler from Niagara Falls to win the NYSPHSA State Championship. He wrestled with a dislocated left shoulder and still won the match. Cunningham was inducted into the Section VI Wrestling Hall of Fame.

He worked 20 years for Dupont and upon retirement he focused his career on education and served as a teacher's assistant at LaSalle Prep. Melvin was a member of True Bethel Church in Buffalo,NY (Pastor Darius Pridgeon) where he was studying to be a minister.

Surviving is his loving and devoted wife Brenda(Archie) Cunningham; brothers Ronald and Mark(Anna) Cunningham; children Stacey, Melvin Jr., Marhoo, Africa, Olivia, and Shelinka Cunningham; stepchildren Antonio Chaney, Chantel (Terrance) Butler, Denise (Darryl) Vernon, a host of grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Visitation Tuesday 11AM in the New Hope Baptist Church, 1122 Buffalo Ave. Funeral to follow at Noon. Arrangements by WILLIAMSON FUNERAL HOME 635 Main Street.