Sharon Prior-Cunial leaves behind a legacy of dedicated leadership, selfless service, and profound devotion to her family and community. Sharon touched countless hearts as an educator, administrator, mother, wife, and friend.
Born on December 27, 1940, to Frank and Marsha Prior, Sharon grew up as the middle sibling between her older brother, Rick, and younger sister, Susie. Throughout her life, she fondly recalled childhood memories of her father’s restaurant in Nevada and her mother’s restaurant at the Y in Westwood. These skills modeled by her parents stayed with her, making her an extraordinary host and cook for family and friends.
Sharon attended school in Westwood, California, and graduated from Lassen High School. . It was at a local dance hall in Westwood that Sharon met the love of her life, Dino Cunial. While raising her three children, Sharon pursued her passion for education, returning to school to graduate from Stanislaus State with a bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential. She began her career at Shasta Elementary School as a classroom teacher before advancing to Vice Principal. She later served as the Principal of McParland School for seven years until her retirement in 2000.
Throughout her career in the Manteca Unified School District, “Mrs. Cunial” was deeply respected as an educator, administrator, and mentor. Colleagues remembered her warmly as the anchor of a close-knit professional family, praising her guidance, mentorship, and enduring presence at retiree lunches and McParland gatherings. In retirement, Sharon and Dino embraced new adventures, traveling in their motor home and taking trips with their travel group. Sharon also remained deeply engaged in the community, contributing her time to the Manteca Soroptimist, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, and the Manteca Boys and Girls Club, among other community organizations.
Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Laurie (Cunial) Berg, and her devoted husband of nearly 70 years, Dino Cunial.
She is survived by her children, Julie Ross and Dan (Annie) Cunial; her sister, Susan Julian; her brother, Tony Prior; her grandchildren, Nicole Berg, Jason Berg, Kelsey Moe, Bruce Cowan, Michael Cowan, Jared Ross, Carly Cunial, Emily Frisk, and Jack Cunial; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cunial family. The family invites all whose lives were touched by Sharon to celebrate her life on Tuesday, October 13, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. The Rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Chez Shari in Manteca.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Friday, October 2, 2026
