John "Jack" Cummings

Jack was born March 23, 1941, the son of Margaret Ahern Cummings and John J. Cummings and was raised in Stratford, CT. He was enrolled in the first class at St. James School in Stratford and graduated from Stratford High School, Class of 1959. He served with the Army National Guard of Connecticut in the 243rd Signal Group from 1962-1968. Jack married his wife of 52 years, Joan (Curry) Cummings, in 1966 and they raised a son and a daughter, Peter and Rachel.

Jack was the plant manager for the former Herman Isaacs Rendering Company in Bridgeport for 26 years. In later years, he worked for the Hitchcock Gas Engine Company, United Oil Recycling and Safety Kleen Recycling.

Jack had a big personality and was happiest when surrounded by friends and family. He loved the water, and spent many happy days boating from the time he was young. He enjoyed traveling, and cherished the time he was able to spend with his family and friends in Cape Cod, Ireland, and many other destinations. Jack was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, and could always be counted on to watch a game with a coffee in hand. A devoted father and grandfather, he spent many hours supporting his children and grandchildren in their pursuits.

Jack was predeceased by his mother, Margaret; father, John; stepfather, David Wiggin; half-brother Edward Wiggin; and nephew Michael Cristini. He leaves his wife, Joan (Curry) Cummings; his son, Peter, and his wife Melissa of South Kingstown, RI; his daughter Rachel (Cummings) Prior and her husband Nicholas of Wilton, CT. "Poppy Jack" leaves four cherished grandchildren, Helene and Caroline Cummings, and Lucienne and Ruby Prior. In addition, he is survived by his brother, James Cummings (Judi) of Trumbull; step-brother, David Wiggin (Barbara) of Shelton; step-sister, Linda White of New Bern, N.C.; his beloved in-laws, Carol (Curry) and Les Cristini; nephew, David Cristini (Beth); brother-in-law John Curry (Connie); and mother-in-law, Geraldine Curry. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Friends and family may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 3rd at Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, Monroe, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church in Trumbull, CT, on Friday, January 4th at 10:00 a.m.

The family thanks the many health care professionals who took such good care of Jack, especially Dr. Samuel Book and Dr. Charles Landau and the Northeast Medical Group, the staff of the Ludlowe Center for Health and Rehabilitation, and the staff of Connecticut Hospice. Donations in his honor may be made to St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation Swim Across the Sound, 2800 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06606.