Thomas “Pops” Cummings
Thomas “Pops” Cummings, 88, of Butler passed away peacefully Monday.
Born Oct. 6, 1926, he was of the first generation to be born in America to his Greek immigrant parents, William and Angelina Cummings.
Tom was the second generation proud owner and operator of Cummings' Candy and Coffee Shop in Butler, which was established by his father, William Cummings, and his uncle, Pete Cummings, in 1905.
Tom was a 1944 graduate of Butler Senior High School, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was stationed on the USS Heerman until the end of the war.
After serving in the Navy, Tom went to work with his father where he managed and continued to grow the family business.
Tom played semi-pro football for the Butler Cubs from 1946 to 1948.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Cummings in 1968 and Angeline Cummings in 1971; and his brother, John “Chico” Cummings in 1943.
Tom had a zest for life and a commitment to make a difference in the lives of his family, business, community and friends.
He was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler fan, purchasing season tickets in 1948 when the Steeler games were played at Forbes Field, and an avid poker player.
Tom was a dedicated father, grandfather and father-in-law, always providing support, love and compassion to his sons, granddaughters and daughters-in-law.
Apart from being committed to his family, Tom was a pillar in the downtown business community, serving customers of multiple generations, always greeting them with his personal touch and infectious smile, making everyone feel special. His honesty, integrity and well-mannered approach to life are qualities to admire
He is survived by his sister, Helen Cummings of Ocean Park, Maine; three devoted sons, Bill Cummings of Butler, Bob Cummings of Dallas, Texas, and Barry Cummings of Butler; his former spouse and mother of his children, Lillian Schottland of Butler; four beautiful granddaughters, Sarah Cummings of Dallas, Texas, Emma Cummings of Raleigh, N.C., Thomasina “Tommi” and Penelope Cummings of Butler; two loving and compassionate daughters-in-law, Susan (Ritchie) Cummings of Dallas, Texas, and Jennifer (Logan) Cummings of Butler; as well as numerous extended family members.
CUMMINGS— There will be visitation for Thomas “Pops” Cummings, who died Monday, Oct. 5, 2015, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Young's Funeral Home, 127 W. Jefferson St., Butler.A memorial service for family and friends to celebrate Tom's life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Father Paisius McGrath of Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church officiating.For more information, please visit www.youngfuneralhomes.com.
