Obituary of Thomas E. Cummings

CHESHIRE - Thomas E. Cummings, 84, of Cheshire, passed away peacefully Friday, September 25, 2015, at the Alzheimer’s Resource Center in Plantsville, surrounded by his family. Thomas was the beloved husband of Patricia (Singleton) Cummings. Thomas was born on July 9, 1931 to the late Thomas and Mary (Sugrue) Cummings in New Haven. Mr. Cummings attended St Mary’s High School, and subsequently served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He then graduated from New Haven State Teachers College, and later completed his graduate studies at the University of Connecticut and the University of Hartford. He was a teacher and a principal in the Cheshire School System for 35 years. After his retirement in 1989, he continued his professional career as an adjunct professor at Southern Connecticut State University. Tom was an avid sports enthusiast. He was a lifelong fan of the NY Giants and Boston Red Sox and enjoyed many trips to Fenway Park over the years. Throughout his life, Tom enjoyed golfing with his many friends and family. Tom also enjoyed traveling with his wife and close friends, and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Tom was a Life Member of The Hamden Elks #2224, having served on several committees. He was an active parishioner and founding member of St. Thomas Becket Church where he served as a lector for many years. In addition to his wife of 59 years, Tom is survived by his devoted children, Michael Cummings and his wife Susan of South Lyon , MI; Thomas Cummings and his wife Mary Lang of Pittsburgh, PA; Catherine Dame and her husband Bob of Duxbury, MA; John Cummings and his wife Jennifer of Wolcott, CT; and Mary Cummings-Barillaro and her husband Mike of Kensington, CT. Tom is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Erin, Matthew, Daniel, Meg, Sarah, Jessica, Bailey, and Nolan Cummings, and Kevin, Kyle, and Kelly Dame. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Frank Cummings and his wife Laura Young of Barrington, RI and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by an infant son, Peter and also his brother Clifford. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Alzheimer’s Resource Center who provided extraordinary care and compassion for Tom during his illness. Arrangements – Funeral services will be held on Tuesday September 29, 2015, 9:15 from the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. to St. Thomas Becket Church for Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Bridget Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Becket Church, 435 N. Brooksvale Rd. Cheshire, CT 06410.