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Eugene Cummings Obituary
Gene began flying in 1958, at the age of 17. He attended Northwestern University, where he earned a B.S.E.E. degree in 1963. He attended Law School at Loyola University, and graduated with a J.D. degree in 1969. He was employed by United Airlines in 1969 and achieved the rank of Captain on the Boeing 727, which he held until his airline retirement in 2001. Alongside his flying career, Gene was also a patent attorney and inventor.
Gene is survived by his sister Barbara Cummings; nieces Cynthia (Mark) Lowther and Sharon (David) Ledermann; loving great uncle to Leona, Liam, Alexandra, Vivian and Krista. He is also survived by his close cousin, Marge Pleasant, and family friend, Joanna Kubiak, who both helped him out tremendously towards the end. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A service was held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Triangle Education Foundation, 120 S. Center Street, Plainfield, IN 46168 or (317) 837-9641 in memory of Eugene. Info: Wenban Funeral Home (847) 234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Cummings
Doretta Olsen
November 19, 2021
I just learned of Gene's passing. I worked for Gene for over thirty years. Believe me no finer or more generous man ever existed. He will be missed. My sincere condolences are with Gene's family.
Michael Kouvelis
September 12, 2021
Saddened to hear of Gene´s passing, he was a wonderful man and friend to our family since his days at WNMP
where my father was a weekend announcer. We stayed in contact through the seventies and eighties when my parents moved to California. Condolences to Gene´s family and friends, I don´t think I new a finer man.
May you have smooth seas and following winds.
Bob Converse
September 6, 2021
I was so sorry to just learn about Gene's passing. I first met him when I was a Northwestern engineering co-op student working for Zenith in 1966. Gene was working in the Patent Department of Zenith and got me a job there for my last co-op semester. He helped me learn to fly, and I followed him into the patent law profession, practicing in Washington, DC. We kept in touch over the years, had shared passions for ham radio and history, and traveled together to various World War II sites in Germany, France, Russia, and Poland. He was an incredibly hard working and generous person, helping many people throughout his life. I shall miss him greatly.
Doug Smith
August 22, 2021
I met Gene in 1962 as a potential pledge to Triangle fraternity at Northwestern. I worked with him at WNPM, later WLTD, where we would cover Not=rthwestern football games both home and away. He was a terrific role model and friend.
David Stavropoulos
August 15, 2021
I looked up to Gene Cummings as kid & was in awe.
Knowing him motivated me to go to Northwestern.
Gene was an incredible roll model & was ahead of his time. A truly talented good person.
Karen
July 17, 2021
Sending the family lots of love and comfort.
Al Palicki
July 15, 2021
Mr. Cummings was a long time pilot and he appreciated aviation as much as anyone. Gene was a long time customer and supporter of Palwaukee Airport. Gene made a positive difference and it was my pleasure to have known him and worked with him at PWK. We all wish Eugenes family well. - Al Palicki of PWK/CEA
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