John B. Cummings, Jr.

John B. “Red” Cummings Jr. died in Westport, MA on July 18, 2024 at the age of 79. Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late Atty. John B. Cummings and the late Angela (King) Cummings. His grandfather, Atty. John W. Cummings, was the first Irish Catholic mayor of Fall River, and the second youngest in the city’s history. He was married to Paula (Francoeur) Cummings of Somerset, MA for 44 years.

Educated at Sacred Heart Elementary School, Portsmouth Priory (Abbey) School, Regis University (Denver), and University of Rhode Island, he graduated cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 1996 at the age of 51.

Cummings enjoyed multiple successful careers. First as a banker at the Fall River Trust Company, then with the former Fall River National Bank, where he became the youngest vice president in the bank’s 150 year history. In 1978, he was appointed the chief professional officer of the United Way of Greater Fall River, Inc., a position he held until 1996. During that period, the funds raised for the betterment of the Greater Fall River community were double the national average. For the next ten years he was the director of planned giving, establishing an endowment fund which he was nationally recognized for by the United Way of America. Following his 27 year career, and over $30 million dollars raised at the United Way of Greater Fall River, he and Paula enjoyed 30 years in real estate, as owners of Cummings Group Realtors in Westport, MA.

Once fully retired, John turned his attention to writing. His historical book, Cream of the Crop – Fall River’s Best and Brightest, became part of Durfee High School’s History of Fall River curriculum, and Cummings would arrange for guest speakers featured in the book to lecture classes at the school. He earned national writing awards for The Last Fling – Hurricane Carol 1954 Stories from Westport, Massachusetts, and produced a DVD about the 1954 hurricane to accompany the book. Other writings include: From Little Acorns to Giant Oaks – a 50 Year History of the Greater Fall River Development Corporation; Acoaxet Club - The Journey to 100; Lobstah Tales, A History of the Moby Dick/Back Eddy Restaurant in Westport, Massachusetts; and a three volume true crime murder series titled: Murder, Manslaughter, and Mayhem on the Southcoast. His last book, published in 2020, entitled Just Angy: A Momoir, is a memoir honoring his mother.

Cummings was a member of numerous civic and charitable endeavors, including as an officer and board member of the United Way (prior to joining the staff in 1978), the Fall River Chamber of Commerce, Fall River Historical Society, and the Greater Fall River Development Corporation where he served as board chairman. Founder of the Ad Club of Southeastern Massachusetts, he was also a long-time incorporator of Bank Five, and served as chairman of both the Fall River Conservation Commission, and the Fall River Task Force on Sports and Recreation. Cummings founded the Greater Fall River Tennis Association, and he promoted local tournaments in Fall River Parks during the 1970’s that included exhibition matches with Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) players, and the first VASSS event ever held outside of Newport, RI. A portion of his tennis memorabilia collection was donated to the International Tennis Hall of Fame and remains on exhibit today.

A director of the former Quequechan Club, Cummings also served as president (1984-1985) and honorary governor of the Acoaxet Club. An avid and active tennis player through the 1980’s, he was an Acoaxet Club champion in mens doubles & father/son. He was also an Acoaxet golf champion, winning the club’s Class B Championship, Charlton Cup (handicap) on multiple occasions, as well as the Father & Son Championship (low gross) and Bonnar Cup Championship (low net) with both of his sons. He also proudly served as head tennis umpire at the Acoaxet Club’s Labor Day finals festivities, following in the footsteps of his father.

A basketball enthusiast, he served as an assistant coach of the Westport Middle School Girls teams for seven years, helping them to a 133-12 record over that span.

John and Paula enjoyed extensive travel throughout the United States and Europe. Trips included days at Wimbledon in London, Roland Garros in Paris, The Open Championships in Scotland, the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island, and the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. They were also fortunate enough to experience wonderful vacations in the Caribbean, and a dream of a lifetime safari in South Africa in 2020.

In addition to his wife Paula, John is survived by his sons, John B. Cummings III (Betsy Fitton), and David C. Cummings (Holly Tompkins). Grandchildren Chloe Cummings Mangold (LT Henry Mangold), Max M. Cummings (fiancé Alicia DeSena), Jamie C. Cummings, Lucy T. Cummings, and great-grandsons Henry “Hank” W. Mangold Jr. and John “Jack” C. Mangold.

The Cummings family would like to thank Blanca Paz, Linda Camara, and HopeHealth Hospice and Palliative Care for their incredible care, support, and comfort.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited. His Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday. August 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM in the Monastery Chapel at Portsmouth Abbey, 285 Cory’s Lane, Portsmouth, RI 02871. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in honor of John to Portsmouth Abbey School (285 Cory’s Lane, Portsmouth, RI 02871) or the United Way of Greater Fall River (PO Box 2550, Fall River, MA 02722). Burial private.