REFERENCE TITLE: Honorable George Cunningham; death resolution

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-seventh Legislature

Second Regular Session

2026

HCR 2060

Introduced by

Representative Stahl Hamilton

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

On the death of the Honorable George Cunningham.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

The Honorable George Cunningham, dedicated former lawmaker and University of Arizona vice president, passed away on May 6, 2025 at the age of 80.

Born in 1945 in Nashua, New Hampshire, George was raised as a Boston Red Sox and Celtics fan.  At 11 years of age, George and his family moved to Tucson.  He attended Catalina High School, where he served as senior class president and ran cross country.  He graduated from the University of Arizona, where he met the love of his life, Marjorie.  They married in 1969 and remained in Tucson.

George Cunningham created a legacy of diligence and purpose.  Beginning his work in public service early, George was an army reservist and the assistant city manager of South Tucson while attending graduate school at the University of Arizona.  He later worked for the Arizona State Senate, where he served as special assistant to the Senate president.  He went on to serve his beloved University of Arizona, working in various administrative and financial capacities, including vice president for administrative services, associate vice president and director of planning and budgeting.  As vice president, he managed various aspects of the learning environment, such as managing residential life and ensuring that the roads on campus were paved.

In 1988, George became the chief of staff for Governor Rose Mofford. He returned to the University of Arizona from 1990 to 1993 and helped form an international partnership with the Italian government to build the world's largest and most powerful telescope.  He also worked on special assignments for the University's president on economic development initiatives.  After his years of service there, he decided to run for office. In 1993 he became a member of the Arizona House of Representatives where he served in Democratic leadership, and in 1997 he moved to the Arizona State Senate where he served until 2001.  Throughout his legislative service, George focused on fiscal policy, economic expansion and investing in Arizona's future.  He was recognized by his legislative colleagues and business, labor and community leaders as an effective and knowledgeable legislator who worked to build bipartisan coalitions.

Continuing his service to the people of Arizona, George Cunningham served as Governor Janet Napolitano's budget director in her two terms. During that time, he also cofounded the Grand Canyon Institute, a nonpartisan think tank that provides fact-based research and education to lawmakers and the public on policies that affect the economic, social and fiscal future of this state.

Known to have a great sense of humor and a compassionate nature, George was a committed public servant to the people of Arizona and his hometown of Tucson.  He often erased partisan lines for the benefit of his constituents.  A natural-born leader, George was a trusted advisor to generations of elected officials.  He loved restoring old cars with his many friends, traveling with his wife and spending time with his grandchildren.  After retirement, George also used his time and energy to volunteer for multiple committees dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Arizonans.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, George Cunningham is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marjorie, his children, Paul Cunningham (Alisa), Eve Cunningham-Schvidler (Joe) and Molly Carey (Joe), and his grandchildren, Joe, Kyle, Ben, Sophia, Alex, Lute, Brady, Lily and Susie.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:

That the Members of the Legislature express sincere regret at the passing of the Honorable George Cunningham and extend their deepest condolences to his surviving family members.