OSWEGO, NY – Richard “Dick” Cummings, 71, a resident of Oswego, passed away on Friday April 4, 2014, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse.
He was born October 24, 1942, to Lynn and Genevieve (McLaughlin) Cummings in Tonawanda, NY.
Richard retired from the city of Oswego Fire Department after 33 years of service.
He was one of the first fire cadets and was appointed to the Oswego Fire Department in September of 1964.
He then advanced through the ranks to make lieutenant (1974), captain (1986) and deputy chief (1994). As a firefighter, Dick was dedicated to teaching fire prevention and safety to young and old alike.
He started the Fire Pup program to give every newborn child in the city of Oswego a smoke detector for their room and with the great help of fellow firefighters, put together a puppet show to teach children fire safety.
He was also integral in setting up the John D. Murray Museum and served as its secretary-treasurer.
Dick served in the U.S. Navy from 1961-1963 aboard the U.S.S. Bolster ARS 38.
Dick spent much of his youth as a member of the Boy Scouts of America.
As an adult he served as assistant leader of post 870 and leader of Explorer Post 982.
He was also a member of the Lord’s Delight Prayer Community through St. Joseph’s Church.
He was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, neighbor and friend who loved camping and always had a story to tell.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara (Carey) Cummings; a son, Richard Edward (Kathy) Cummings; daughter, Carey (Brian) Pelc; sister, Cynthia (Charles) Caruso; two grandchildren, Philip and Laura Cummings; niece Carol; nephews William and Vincent; and loyal canine companion, Jeuno.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Laurie Cummings; and parents.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph’s Church.
Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held 3-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Nelson Funeral Home, 11 W. Albany St., Oswego.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard’s memory to the John D. Murray Fire Museum, PO Box 211, Oswego, NY 13126.
Online condolences may be made at www.nelson-funeralhome.com
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Dick was a good friend all through school. Sorry to hear of his passing.
BARB, SORRY TO HEAR OF UR LOSS. PRAYERS WILL BE WITH U. AS I AM NOT FEELING THE BEST, I PROBABLY WILL NOT MAKE IT TO CALLING HOURS OR FUNERAL. BUT, WANTED U TO KNOW I WAS THINKING OF U & UR FAMILY.