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BORN
1934
DIED
2020
ROBERT CUMINGS Obituary
He died peacefully with three of his sons and his wife of 65 years, Carolyn, by his side. Bob is survived by four sons, Robert Jr., Steven, Thomas, and Gregory; and grandchildren, Chelsea and Shane.
Robert the youngest of three children born to the late Paul and Laura Cumings of Wellesley Hills and West Falmouth, MA. A graduate of Noble & Greenough School, class of '52, Bob attended Yale University and later served in the USMC before graduating from Boston University in 1959, where he captained the successful basketball team that reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA championships. Bob was selected by the Boston Celtics in the sixth round (48th pick overall) of 1959 NBA draft. An avid sailor and accomplished tennis player, Bob had the opportunity to play against such greats as Vic Seixas, Ken Rosewall and Roy Emerson. Bob's professional career included being director of the BU Alumni Assoc. and president of the Greater Boston Convention & Tourist Bureau from 1975 to 1990. In later years, Bob and his wife, Carolyn, owned and operated the New England Brass and Tool Company. Bob's voluntary service included being president of the International Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus (IACVB), The president of the Freedom Trail Foundation and President of Sail Boston, 1992. Bob and Carolyn have been residents of Winchester for over 50 years.
Per his request, he will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. An online memorial service will be held at a later time. For more information about the service, please send an email message to [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT CUMINGS
August 21, 2020
to Carolyn and the Cumings family, please accept my condolences on the passing of Bob. SEMPER FI R.I.P.
Dick Fannon , MILTON ,MA.
Herbert Korn
July 9, 2020
To Carolyn and the Cumings Family,
It's with great sadness that I just learned of Bob's passing. I knew Bob for some 50 years and have great memories of working with him at Boston University, serving with him on BU athletics support groups, attending countless BU basketball (and football) games and functions with him, and sharing loads of stories and laughs.
I know how much he loved BU and BU basketball, but especially how much he loved and cherished all of you.
May he rest in peace.
April Smith
July 6, 2020
Ms. Carolyn and family,
Our condolences to your family. Mr. Bob was a joy to work with all these years. May your memories and love surround and comfort you through the days ahead.
God Bless,
April Smith and Misty Furgerson
Roll Solutions, Inc.
215 Brumbelow Rd
Carrollton, GA 30117
Sam Hrono
July 1, 2020
Im sad for the Cumings family, they all are wonderful
They were always warm and welcoming to me
I remember Bob asking me if I wanted a roadie after a getogether once
I wish I could visit again but cant
May you Rest In Peace Bob
July 1, 2020
My dear Carolyn,
I was saddened to hear the news of Bob's passing. I have wonderful memories of the BU basketball games and the great teams he and Jack were a part of. I am sure he, Jack, and Matt Zunic are talking basketball as I write this memory. May all the good memories you have had with Bob provide you some comfort now.
Rita Leaman BU 59
Terry & Carey Gibson
June 29, 2020
Hi Carolyn
WOW! Bob was my best friend since 1968! We shared many fabulous times @ BU! One of the best was arranging the centennial black tie dinner @ the Waldorf Astoria. It was a sellout of 500 people, however, very few paid the $100 ticket price. Chris was so proud. He never knew . Our trips to the Cape were unbelievable . We will continue t0 think of you. We are certainly all better having you & Bob as friends. Tell the boys hi especially Timmy.
Carey & are living in Denver & doing fine
Love you
Terry
June 28, 2020
Dear Carolyn and family,
Sorry to hear about Bob"s passing. One funny guy with a big heart will be missed. We had many fun times on the tennis courts in mixed doubles groups. May he rest in peace.
Marcia Griffith
June 28, 2020
GREAT GUY-SPECIAL-GOOD FRIEND---MANY FUN TIMES WILL MISS OUR ANNUAL EXTENDED LUNCH WITH HE AND DAVE,JOHN ZEVITAS
David Spirito
June 28, 2020
To Bobs family, we has the short pleasure of meeting Bob when our son and daughter-in-law became neighbors with your parents. He was friendly and welcoming from the day they moved into the neighborhood. We loved hearing the stories he told. He will be missed.
Sincerely Donna and David Spirito
Robert LaRosa
June 27, 2020
To the family of Bob Cumings, please accept my sincere condolences on his passing.
I knew Bob as an Association executive and worked
with a little bit on bringing the American Society of Association Executives to Boston in
1988 for their national convention.
Bob a very smart and engaging person, it was my
sincere pleasure to have known him.
Bob La Rosa
Florida
Allen Gallagher
June 26, 2020
I will miss seeing Bob at the BU Basketball games and Alumni weekends over the past 40 years or so. He had a "wicked" sense of humor which I got a kick out of. May he rest in Peace.
Allen Gallagher
June 25, 2020
I enjoyed seeing Bob over the years at the BU Basketball games and at Alumni Weekends. He had a "wicked" sense of humor that I got a kick out of. I will miss seeing him. May he rest in Peace.
Allen Gallagher BU 1969
June 25, 2020
Bob was always quick to smile and full of wonderful stories.
I remember Harvard football games with Bob always making us laugh.
In fact, he made us laugh where we were! You will be missed.
My hear felt thoughts and prayers are with you, Carolyn and your sons and their families.
Janet Sharp Kershaw
June 24, 2020
Bob was a very special person who I knew well for many years i saw him at the 50th anniversary of The Hampshire House for the last time he always had a big heart and was welcoming to one and all a true treasure for the Boston Community God bless my friend love to Caroline and the family
Sally O'Connor
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