Obituary of William H. Cummings, Sr.

William H. Cummings, Sr., age 89 of Lewiston died Monday October 10, 2011 in Our Lady of Peace Nursing Residence in Lewiston, after a lengthy illness. William was born January 19, 1922 in Washington, DC, the son of the late William and Mary (Noonan) Cummings. He was a 1939 graduate of Vincentian Institute in Albany, NY and a graduate of Union College in Schenectady, NY. A veteran of WW II, William enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1943. He was a Navigator on a B-17 having flown 18 missions. He was shot down over Germany and was a POW for 9 months before being liberated by the Russian Army. He was discharged in1945 as a 1st Lt.. William married Mary "Mitzi" Sullivan on November 21, 1945 and graduated from Albany Law School in 1946. They moved to Youngstown in 1960. He was employed in the Banking Industry for 35 years, the last 15 years as Senior Vice President of the Marine Midland Bank Trust Department. He then joined his son's law firm in Wilson as a Partner and practiced law until his retirement in 1989 when he and Mitzi moved to Naples, FL. They had recently returned here and settled in Lewiston. William was always very active in Community service including the United Way, and serving as a Trustee at Niagara University. He was also involved in service to local hospitals. He was an avid tennis player and golfer. In addition to his wife, Mitzi, he is survived by his children, Susan (Michael) Waldau, William "Terry" (Betty) Cummings, Jr., Lois (Bill) Mann, Elaine (Bill) Gabrielli, John Cummings, and Lisa (Joseph) Thompson.; 15 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Ruth Cummings and a brother, Edward Cummings. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 14, at 11:00 AM in St. Peter's RC Church, 600 Center St., Lewiston, with the Rev. Michael Zuffoletto officiating. There will be no prior visitation. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross, Niagara Co. Chapter, 2079 Sawyer Dr., Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston.