Harold R. Cummings, 76, of Russell, PA., died peacefully Monday morning, August 26, 2024, at UPMC Hamot Medical Center, Erie, PA., after an extended illness. He was born the 11th child of Donald S. and Elsie Edna Marie Gheres Cummings. He was born on October 27, 1947, in Warren, PA. Harold was a lifelong Warren and Russell, PA., area resident. He was a 1966 graduate of Warren High School, where he was an accomplished wrestler, almost getting to the state finals, only to get hurt the match prior to going to states. He went into the Marine Corp. during the Vietnam War, as a corporal. He was awarded the Purpleheart Medal, National Defense Service Medal Rifle-Marksman, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 star. While in the Marine Corp., Harold wrestled for the corp.
Harold was employed as the Paint Department Foreman at the Warren State Hospital, retiring from there in 1992, after 35 years employment. He had also worked as an auto painter at Suppa’s, painting Pennsylvania State Police Car’s. He was a member of Good News Community Church. Harold was an avid hunter, fisherman, corvette enthusiast. He was a Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers fan, especially loved going to Penn State Wrestling tournaments. He loved mowing his lawn and had fun making it a competition with the neighbors. His greatest joy in life, was his family, he especially loved being a grandfather, and spending time with the grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were the center of his life.
Harold is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sarah Jean Lucks Cummings, whom he married November 22, 1969, at the Warren Christian Missionary Alliance Church, now known as Good New Community Church, Warren, PA., 3 Children – Bonnie Glotz and husband, Joseph of Russell, PA., Harold “Chip” Cummings, Jr. and Betsy Cummings Sobkowski and her significant other, Tony Thrift, all of Warren, PA., his foster son, Gokul Gahle and wife, Sharda of Toronto, Canada, 1 Brother – Bruce Cummings and wife, Terry of Russell, PA., 2 Sisters – Marie Stewart, Darlene Stewart and her husband, Dave, all of Warren, PA., 9 Grandchildren – Gabrielle Parker (Colton), Andrew Ray Cummings (Tara), Brett Michael Cummings, Elijah Cummings, Colin Ray Sobkowski, Carson James Sobkowski, Alivia Joy Glotz, Jaxon Thrift, Lucas Thrift, 3 Great Grandchildren – Copelan Ford Parker, Ranger Jerry James Parker, Kayden Parker, his Sister-in-laws, Catherine Millard, Sue Carlson and husband, Jeff, Brother-in-laws, Andy Lucks and wife, Renae, David Lucks, all of whom he was very close with, as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 6 Brothers – Sydney “Syd”, Rich, Ed, Lou, Donald “Bub,” William Cummings, 4 Sisters – Lois Gustafson, Betty Cummings, Julie Passenger, Linda Scalise, his Sister-in-law, Pam Lucks.
A Memorial Service will be conducted Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 5:00 P.M., at Praise Fellowship of Russell, PA., 7451 Market Street, Russell, PA. with Revs. Larry Condron, Richard Hamilton and Dennis Atwater, all officiating. Full military honors will follow afterwards by members of the U.S. Marine Corp. personnel.
Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Blue Star Mothers of Kinzua PA203, P.O. Box 324, Warren, PA. 16365 or Good News Community Church, 615 Conewango Avenue, Warren, PA. 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Our sympathy to the Harold Cummings family, a fellow West Ender and Marine. May your soul rest in peace. Semper Fi, Dennis and Anne Rock
We would like to send the Cummings family our heartfelt sympathy on behalf of our Aunt Emily Sechriest and ourselves. Our Uncle Albert Sechriest worked with Harold at the State Hospital and Harold visited them in BearLake. Emily is 99 years young and still remembers enjoying those visits and Albert enjoying working with Harold. God Bless your family with Peace.
I am so sorry for the loss of dear Harold. I worked with Harold and Sarah for many years. Harold always had a smile and a kind word for all of us. My heart aches for each of you, particularly, Sarah.
May our Lord wrap his loving arms around each of you during this difficult time.
Peace to your hearts
Sending my love…..
I am so sorry to hear about Harold’s passing. He was our neighbor on Glade Avenue for years. He was a wonderful person and a great neighbor. My thoughts are with you all.
We are so very sorry to read of Harold’s passing. Gerry has many memories of Harold and his family growing up in the West End. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May your memories keep him close in heart and mind.
I hope the memories of your long life with Harold will sustain you through your loss. I wish you peace as you navigate through this challenge.
Sarah, Bonnie, Betsy, Chip, and ALL Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was “almost” next door neighbors to both Harold & Sarah and Joe & Bonnie for my first 13+ years living in Russell. Every time I crossed paths with Harold – at an EHS football game or watching a Penn State football game at Joe & Bonnie’s or at Alivia’s youth sports games – he was so friendly and kind and made me feel like I had known him forever. He was a great man! I am thinking of and praying for all of you dealing with the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Deepest Sympathies,
Eric, Susan, Olivia, Sophia, and Cecilia Wallace
I am so sorry to hear the loss Of Harold. May your memories keep him close in your hearts.
Sarah, Bonnie, Betsy, Chip, and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a great man! I am thinking of all of you and praying for all of you dealing with the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.