Richard Cunningham

(October 20th, 1976 - September 4th, 2009)

While in still in college, Rich Cunningham formed his own record label in 1995, Happy Days Records, (in a nod to Ron Howard's fictional character from that television show who shared the same name) - which allowed him to dabble in his love for punk rock. He released debut records by Hot Water Music and Ink & Dagger, as well as titles by Endeavor, Times Up, and Human Remains.

In 2000 Rich formed New Labor, an alternative model of worker organization that combines new and existing strategies to improve working conditions and provide a voice for low-wage, young, immigrant workers in central New Jersey. Colleagues described Cunningham, a Milltown resident, as a hard worker who was driven by his Catholic faith, his family's union background and an unswerving passion for social justice. "I can't express how significant an organization it is today," said Nancy Finn, the former program manager of the Unity Square community-services project in New Brunswick. "The large number of immigrant families in the city really had no place to turn before New Labor opened its doors. They made such a significant impact in the lives of so many."

After a four-year battle with colon cancer, the 32-year-old labor leader died Friday, September 4, 2009, leaving behind family, friends & colleagues to mourn the man whose efforts were nationally recognized. It is fitting, some say, that Rich passed on Labor Day weekend given all he had contributed to the Labor movement. He was an inspiration to us all.

Through The Army of Rich, a network of family, friends and supporters, he had found strength. Rich is survived by his beautiful wife, Heather, and his twin 2 yr. old daughters, Reese and Lily, who were his heart and soul. Rich's legacy will live on... we will never surrender and will continue to fight for all he had fought for. Please join us by showing your support for his beautiful family.