Dylan Thomas Cunningham

VIEW FUNERAL SERVICE FOR DYLAN

A bundle of delivered newspapers sat outside the South Holland Fire Station door Friday morning, as no one wanted to see the front page image of a favorite son, Dylan Thomas Cunningham. News of a firefighter’s tragic death would be another bleak reminder that the partner and father-to-be would not report in for his next duty shift.  The South Holland firefighter and Illinois Army National Guardsman died Wednesday night following an underwater dive incident at Haigh Quarry Lake in Kankakee. The youthful likeness of the 29-year-old Cunningham on the front page projected a young scout in uniform, not a seasoned firefighter/paramedic. “As a boy, he was always a busy kid,” said his mother Rosemary Cunningham.  “He saw his big sister riding her bike with two wheels, and he wanted his training wheels off immediately.  At two years and eight months, he was riding his black and orange confetti bike, on two wheels.” It was the same with swimming.  “He was a fish,” recalls his mother.  That same summer, he dove into the deep end while the family was at a hotel.  A well-intentioned stranger jumped in to save the boy.  But Dylan just paddled away safely as his mother watched him, knowing he could swim just fine. “Dylan was a focused and mature young man who was a great village employee,” said South Holland Mayor Don DeGraff.  “Our village board and administration recognize the quality of his character and the special person he was.  He represented so well who we are as a village.  We will significantly miss his contributions going forward.” Dylan and his fiancee, Laura Nye, put wedding plans on hold during the pandemic, but she chose to add Cunningham as her surname. A few months back, she surprised him with news. “Dylan cried when he found out it was a baby boy,” said Laura.  “And then he just started screaming out loud, ‘it’s a boy!’” “Hero,” said Dylan’s brother, Cody.  “Always the hero.” South Holland Fire Chief Brian Kolosh echoed the same sentiment.  His own son Garrett is best friends with the younger Cody.  During their preteen and teen years, when Kolosh worried about their whereabouts, he was routinely comforted by the words, “Don’t worry Dad, we’re with Dylan,” recalled Kolosh from his desk at the firehouse.  “And that was all I needed to hear.  They were all like sons to me.” Dylan began working for South Holland Fire Department part time in 2011 and was sworn in full time in 2018.  During that time, he also joined the Illinois Army National Guard in 2012.  By the end of his service in 2020, he had earned the rank of Sergeant and had served in both a Chemical Operations and Infantry unit.  Simultaneously, he studied fire science at Prairie State College. In October 2018, he received a Gold Seal from the South Cook County EMS medical director for his work in saving a patient on an EMS call. “Dylan was a beloved member of our fire department family,” said Kolosh.  “He was dedicated, loyal, hard-working, and embodied all the qualities of a professional firefighter. We are devastated by this loss and are grieving with Dylan’s family.” Stories of Dylan’s heroism briefly suspended the family’s grief Friday afternoon as they prepared memorial service plans. There was the time Dylan was on a call when he retrieved a warm diaper from an alleyway.  Following his sixth sense, he circled back minutes later to save the life of a newborn abandoned in a dumpster.  “Instinct,” said Dylan’s sister, Courtney.  “Dylan was one who never hesitated.” Other stories helped the family cope and share a laugh.  Dylan’s love for his family was well known.  Stories of how protective he was over his older sister, was a role model for his younger brother, and how close he was with his mom.  Cody and Courtney called Dylan their best friend, and the three shared many friends in their circle. Dylan was a multi-sport athlete at local Thornwood High School and especially enjoyed having younger brother Cody as a teammate. “I was his shadow,” Cody said.  “Whatever he did, I wanted to do.  Some friendly brotherly competition was there, too.” The two competed in wrestling, swimming, pole vaulting for track and field, as well as cross country. His passion for the Chicago Bears nearly drew a flag when he met the love of his life - Laura, a Green Bay Pack fan.  Instead, they compromised with creative bets and a trip to Lambeau Field December 15, 2019 to watch the Packers beat the Bears. Dylan’s absence will cause family members to pause before attending Dave Matthews and country music concerts, Sox games, going hunting, and fishing. Dylan’s pick up truck and his chocolate lab, Marvel, will be on-going reminders of a life they all shared. Come the first weeks of December, Dylan’s son will be born into this world.  Laura Nye Cunningham and Dylan have named him William Thomas Cunningham.

Dylan Thomas Cunningham, age 29, of Thornton, IL passed away, unexpectedly, on Wednesday, September 30, 2020.  Loving son of Rosemary (nee Dempsey) and Patrick Eugene Cunningham.  Loving brother of Melissa (Brad) Nance, Brad (Katie) Cunningham, Shannon (Brent) Graeser, Courtney Cunningham, and Cody Cunningham.  Beloved fiancé of Laura Nye Cunningham.  Devoted uncle of several nieces and nephews, and nephew to many uncles and aunts, and cousin to many.  Dylan was a South Holland Firefighter, a United States National Guard Member, a father to be, a Friend and Hero to many. He was loved and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation with family and friends on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 from 1:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN with a Fire Department Walk Through at 7:00 P.M.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Smits Funeral Home in Dyer with the South Holland Fire Department Chaplain Rev. Daniel Svendsen officiating.