In Memoriam: John Palumbo and George Cunningham
Palumbo remembered for service to Yuma and work on pest management
John Palumbo, University Distinguished Outreach Professor in the Department of Entomology and Cooperative Extension specialist at the Yuma Agricultural Center, died May 11 at age 66.
John Palumbo, University Distinguished Outreach Professor, Department of Entomology
Palumbo was internationally recognized for his expertise in integrated pest management. During his 35-year career at the University of Arizona, he focused his research on examining the chemical management of insects and the use of pesticides in crop production. As an extension specialist, he helped farmers manage pests in desert-grown vegetables through research-based, sustainable practices. In 2020, the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences established the John Palumbo Endowed Chair in Integrated Pest Management in recognition of his research and community impact.
"John Palumbo was a good friend and colleague," said Jeffrey Silvertooth, professor in the Department of Environmental Science. "I will miss John, but I am grateful for the opportunity to have known and worked with him. He was a good man, an excellent scientist and an outstanding educator. He did a lot of good for a lot of people."
In 2023, Palumbo received the Award for Excellence in Integrated Pest Management from the Entomological Society of America. He authored more than a dozen book chapters and more than 50 academic journal articles.
Palumbo is survived by his wife, Chris, and children, Casie, Michael and Rachel. The family will hold a celebration of life on June 14 from 7-9 p.m. at the Yuma Agricultural Center at 6425 W. Eighth St. in Yuma.
Cunningham leaves a legacy of public service
George Cunningham, former vice president for administrative services, died May 6 at age 80.
George Cunningham, former Vice President for Administrative Services
After earning his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Arizona, Cunningham began working at his alma mater in 1977. He held several key leadership roles at the university, including serving as vice president for administrative services from 1985-1988. In that role he helped oversee the university's centennial celebration, the refurbishment and rededication of Centennial Hall and the construction of the Gould-Simpson building.
In 1988, Cunningham became chief of staff for Arizona Gov. Rose Mofford. He was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 1992 and the Arizona Senate in 1997.
"George R. Cunningham led a truly inspiring career in public service," wrote Alex Braithwaite, director of the School of Government and Public Policy, in a story posted on the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences website. "All of us in the school are proud to be able to call him one of our own. We are grateful to him and his family for supporting generations of students in the Master of Public Administration program through the George R. Cunningham Scholarship."
Cunningham is survived by his wife, Marjorie, son, Paul, and daughters, Eve and Molly. A memorial service for Cunningham was held May 12.
Read more about Cunningham in an obituary written by his son, Paul, published in the Tucson Sentinel.