John Edward “Jack” Cummiskey died peacefully on January 21, 2020, with his beloved wife of 68 years, Kathleen (Curtin) Cummiskey, and his devoted family members by his side. The captain of our family ship, Jack loved children, music and his country, leading a life of integrity, loyalty and honor, forever enriching the lives of all who were fortunate to know him.
A child of the Great Depression, Jack was born in Hartford to the late Leo Peter and Rose Vasseur Cummiskey on March 10, 1929. He was graduated from Hartford Public High School, Class of 1947. Jack was predeceased by his brother, Robert Cummiskey and his wife Gay and he is survived by his sister Catherine Bernard. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom had meaningful connections with “Uncle Jack”.
Jack’s life was profoundly influenced by World War II, during which time his big brother Robert and his favorite cousins went off to the European theater, and he was forever frustrated that he was too young to join them. He joined the National Guard and was deployed to Germany with the 43rd Division during the Korean War. Later, he was an active member of the Army Reserve until his retirement as a Captain. He served for many decades in leadership positions, including as the post commander of the American Legion, Landers - Ratti Post #77 in East Hartford. He marched in countless East Hartford Memorial Day parades and enlisted his grandchildren to help him put a flag on the grave of every veteran in Hillside Cemetery during the Memorial Day celebrations. Jack also served as Civil Defense Director for the Town of East Hartford during the memorable ice storm of 1973.
Jack was retired from the Southern New England Telephone Company, where he enjoyed a long career, from lineman to management, serving as a union representative, and as a union member of the board of the fledgling credit union started by the company. Jack was inspired to serve, believing that employee members should be able to borrow money from a trusted source. Upon his retirement, Jack and Kathleen, through the retirees’ organization, the “Telephone Pioneers”, performed countless hours of community service. Of course, Jack served as president. His dedication to serve community and country was exemplary.
As a father and grandfather, “Papa” could be found in the backyard with grandchildren on the slider swing, engaging in pretend play with the youngest, and enjoying sunset conversations with the older crew. In retirement, Jack was able to spend enormous amounts of time with his grandchildren. He never tired of babysitting, chauffeuring, and advising them, and he marveled at their accomplishments, from doctor to lawyer to police officer. The home of Nana and Papa was always open for family transitions, all holidays and all family conclaves. The soundtrack of our lives included the Irish tenor John Kerry, and the great standards from the likes of Perry Como, Della Reese and Glen Campbell.
Jack first viewed Cape Cod as a member of the military in the 1950’s, and he was captivated by the ocean air and the dune grasses. He determined that his children would know the Cape, and arranged family vacations in Orleans, Eastham and Truro, eagerly anticipating arrival at the Sagamore Bridge. Although later on he couldn’t participate in the family Beach House Open golf tournament, Jack played a mean game of corn hole and always triumphed, along with his partner in crime, Jim’s dad, Roger Ruel. Jack’s trip to Ireland with Kathleen was a favorite memory for him.
Jack is survived by six children, all of whom he doted upon, encouraged and understood. Debra Cummiskey Ruel, her husband Jim and their two children and grandchildren, James and Abiah Ruel, parents of Lincoln, William, Claire and Rose; and Elizabeth Ruel Matern and Jamie Matern, parents of Liam, Owen and Ryan. John Cummiskey, Jr. and his fiancée Amy Paul; Mary Cummiskey, her husband Richard Curtis and their children Tess LeConche and Tierney Hutton, Emily Curtis and Marissa Curtis. Kathleen (Cummiskey) McGowan and her husband Gregg and their children and grandchildren William Leonard and Rachael, parents of Ryder and Wyatt; Michael Leonard, and Noah Leonard, and Jennifer McGowan. Karen (Cummiskey) Tedder and her husband Dave and their children David Marks, Alexandra Marks, David Tedder and Chris Tedder and their families. Timothy Patrick Cummiskey and his wife Lori and their son, his wife and daughter, Joseph Moreau and Amanda, parents of Autumn Jane.
Jack was especially close to his son-in-law Jim Ruel and they forged close bonds of love and friendship. Included in this circle were the late Claire and Roger Ruel, and Jim’s sister Karen Pilch and her two children Megan Pilch and Tyler McCormack, parents of Riley; and Timothy Pilch.
Jack’s relationship with his Wild Irish Rose, Kathleen, illustrates Aristotle’s maxim, “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”. Devoted to each other throughout 68 years of marriage, Jack would often say to Kathleen, reminiscent of his military days, “I’m charged out with you”. Well done, Dad.
Funeral Service will be Saturday (January 25, 2020) with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 am at Our Lady of Peace Church of St. Edmund Campion Parish, 370 May Road, East Hartford. John’s family has asked that everyone please go directly to the church on Saturday morning. Burial with military honors will follow at Veteran’s Memorial Field #2 at Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. John’s family will receive relatives and friends on Friday (January 24, 2020) at the D’ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford from 3:30 – 7:00 pm. Memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopoeh.com.
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Wounded Warrior ProjectP.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675
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