Robert W. Cummings

Robert W. Cummings, 76, of Acra, New York succumbed to a long illness on Jan 24, 2021. Bob was born on July 7, 1944 in Hastings, New York, the only son of Harry and Catherine (Kelly) Cummings. He spent summers and weekends at the family’s cabin in Acra before permanently moving upstate when he was 10 years old. As a teenager Bob had a love for cars, especially the fast ones. He spent much of his free time either under the hood or drag racing at the Fonda Fairgrounds. He took considerable pride in his vehicles. Bob met the love of his life, Ann, when he was 16 years old and she 14. Bob’s friends knew they’d be together forever when, despite her driving his pride and joy 56 Buick Roadmaster convertible right through a farm stand, he still popped the question and they were married in 1965. Bob worked in Ferroxcube Phillips Plant in Saugerties, N.Y. for 2 years before joining the Carpenters Union where he worked on the Gilboa Dam, The South Mall (Empire State Egg), and IBM in Kingston with his brother in law, Kurt. After retiring from the Union, he ran a repair shop from his garage where he would fix just about anything his friends and neighbors would drop off. Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman, storyteller and conversationalist, reader and history buff. He enjoyed hunting with his family and buddies. He went on numerous trips to Newfoundland, the Adirondacks and spent every season in the Catskill Mountains. However, the best hunting days were the ones spent sitting in the woods with his son and daughter eating Ann’s famous Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches while telling stories trying hard not to giggle too loud. Needless to say, no deer were taken on those days and that was just fine by him. Bob could captivate an audience like no other and he enjoyed every minute of it. He could tell you anything you wanted to know about the history of our country that he loved so much, the history of the Town of Cairo, as he was a member of the Cairo Historical Society, and even the history of the Model T Ford, his very first car on which he painted a cardboard license plate so he could drive it around at 14 years old. Bob loved his family most of all. Pop Pop’s greatest joy was telling stories to his grandchildren. Some stories were told to make them laugh but the ones they loved the most were the ones told to scare the daylights out of them. They would gather around the campfire, hanging on to every word and when it was over you’d hear...”one more Pop Pop!” They all agree it was the best part of the Moose River Plains and Acra Property camping trips. His children look forward to carrying on his legacy of storytelling around the campfire with their grandchildren. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ann, his daughter Michelle Bulich and husband Michael of Catskill, NY, his son Bradley Cummings of Catskill, NY, and his 5 grandchildren, Tyler Bulich, Carly Bulich, Jeremy Bulich, Will Cummings, and Caitie Cummings. He is predeceased by his parents and his first born son, Robert Cummings. A celebration of life will take place in the spring to reminisce about a man who touched the hearts of so many. As for now in Heaven, there is a campfire roaring, a C.C. on the rocks has been poured and the stories of the good ole days have just begun. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Town of Inlet to help preserve and maintain the Moose River Recreation Area. Arrangements are under the direction of Richards Funeral Home, 29 Bross St., Cairo, NY. Condolences may be made at www.richardsfuneralhomeinc.net.

Robert W. Cummings

July 7, 1944 - January 24, 2021