Michael Cummings

Michael James Cummings, 63, of Millcreek, passed away peacefully with dignity and courage on December 12, 2014 in his home, surrounded by wife Donna, children Matthew and Jenna, and loved ones after a year-long battle against a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer. During the difficult year, Michael and Donna managed to find the joy of each day with the support of their loving family and friends and he achieved his final wish to hold his precious baby granddaughter, Finley Emjay.

He was born in Erie on October 14, 1951, the son of the late John and Kathleen (Hoffman) Cummings. A graduate of Academy High School (1969), he served in the Army National Guard (1970-1976), attended Gannon University, and worked in supervision and quality manufacturing at LORD Corporation in Erie and Cambridge Springs for 40 years before retiring in January.

Along with his parents he was also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Donald J. Andrews.

Michael is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 42 years, Donna Marie Cummings, and his beloved children, Matthew M. Cummings and his wife, Alyson Amendola of Erie; and Jenna L. Hopkins and her husband, David of Erie. He is also survived by three sisters, Sr. Mary Ellen Cummings, OSB of Erie; Kathleen A. Galindo of Texas; Jean M. MacNabb and her husband, Keith of Grove City; and four brothers: John C. Cummings; David J. Cummings and his wife, Patricia; and Daniel M. Cummings all of Erie, and William G. Cummings of Florida. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Conor Joseph Russell, 10, and baby Finley Emjay Hopkins, three days old.

He is further survived by his mother-in-law, Pauline B. Andrews of Erie, whom he always considered “Mom”; brother-in-law Dana H. Andrews and Pam Francis of McKean; and two sisters-in-law: Diana L. Andrews Musarra and her husband Jay of Erie; and Sally A. Hershelman and her husband Gary of South Carolina. Michael always considered his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law as his brothers and sisters. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is also survived by his best friend and “brother,” Roy Nordin of Erie.

Michael’s generosity, love of family, faith, and sense of humor were evident each day of his life. He was a friend to everyone and to know Michael is to love him. He enjoyed many passions, including photography, boating, fishing, hunting, carpentry, golf, riding his “pearl orange” motorcycle, and special “beach breakfasts” with Donna Marie. Michael accomplished the annual swim across Presque Isle Bay in 2011, 2012, and 2013. He also enjoyed being in the Erie Rome Choir and singing for Pope John Paul II in Rome, Italy in 2000.

Friends are invited to call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 West 26th Street (at Powell Ave.) on Tuesday from 2-5 and 7-9pm and are invited to attend a prayer service there on Wednesday at 9:15 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 am at St. Patrick Church 130 East 4th Street Erie, PA 16507 with Msgr. Henry Kriegel officiating. Burial in Laurel Hill Cemetery will follow the Mass.

Memorials may be made to the Inner City Neighborhood Art House 201 East 10th Street, Erie PA 16503 or the St. Patrick Church Food Pantry (address above) . To send condolences please visit www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.