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Pat Cummings Obituary
The 6-foot-9 Cummings, a native of Johnstown, Pa., was found Tuesday afternoon, police said Wednesday. They said the cause of death was to be determined but foul play wasn't suspected.
A two-time all-conference selection, Cummings averaged 17.1 points and 8.3 rebounds during his four seasons with the Bearcats (1975-76, 1978-79). He was drafted by Milwaukee in the third round and was traded to Dallas in 1982. He signed with the New York Knicks as a free agent in 1984 and also played for Miami and Utah.
He averaged 9.6 points and 5.6 rebounds over his career with his first two seasons in New York his best when he averaged 15.8 and 15.7 points.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Pat Cummings
58 Entries
June 30, 2021
God Bless Cous.
Sweet Lou
March 9, 2018
I still miss him
Yakik Rumley
June 15, 2017
I'm sorry to hear about your passing. You were one of my favorite knicks players. Rest In Peace!
Tracy Dunham
December 30, 2016
Pat was a very dear friend and we had lost touch over the years as life goes .. he was a gentle, caring , beautiful, man. I never expected anything but true love from Pat. God has a true player for the good of all. Love...
June 6, 2016
Still hear your laugh Pat...
Barb
May 26, 2015
My brother BILLY Cummings was friends with Pat in College..I was very small. My older Brother Bill looked up to Pat. Pat was a good man by all accounts. BTW...I don't think we are related, just a happy coincidence. He will be missed.
February 25, 2014
Rip
September 13, 2012
Just saw were another Gale Catlett coached bearcat passed away, Cutis Cabell
Those were some great, great teams 73-77 RIP PAT
August 22, 2012
Nuck,
We're all going to miss ya buddy. Had soem great times together growing up playing ball on the Coopersdale playground.
Larry Kovalchik (Lardog) and the whole Coopersdale gang
Barbara Tyson
August 12, 2012
I'm still not quite over the shock of Pat's passing. He was a good person and a good friend. We lost touch a little over ten years ago, but I think it's his laugh that I will miss most, and never forget. Pat was a great guy.
My condolences to brother Mikey and Pat's mom.
Know that the world was better when he was in it.
Love & Peace,
Barbara (Bush) Tyson
July 15, 2012
75-76 season the year Pat was injured the Bearcats were no. 2 in the country.
We could have given UCLA a run for the championship. Wished the team could have remained in the Armoy Feildhouse. RIP PAT
July 13, 2012
Fond memories of our time together at UC and beyond. Seeing you when you were with Milwaukee and getting together after the game. You were one of a kind and a sweet big goof. You will be missed. God bless you, your mom, and Mike.
July 9, 2012
PC, as usual, when one so loved has had such a powerful impact in our younger life is taken too young, floods of memories of life lessons and joys take place. God bless you and your family, much love JB.
Hal Ward
July 8, 2012
Will cherish the memories playing with Pat and all of those "goofy" times shared together. A gentle giant and great friend. The best 15 foot jump shooter on our '75-'76 team. Truly a very hard loss for the Bearcat Family. Prayers and condolences to family and friends. Pat, hope to see you again in THAT BETTER PLACE occupied by the One whom has gone before us.
Doug Schloemer
July 6, 2012
Rest in peace Pat. Great guy and teammate
Jim Daria
July 5, 2012
I was saddened to hear of Pat's passing. He was a good man. I am lucky to have called him a friend. I loved watching him play for the Bearcats & I am one of his biggest fans. He may be gone but will never be forgotten. Pat, RIP.
July 3, 2012
UC BEARCAT Love.....
simeon simmons
July 3, 2012
may Pats family, friends be embraced by shalom. may he rest in peace. Jesus Love
Judith Watt Krahulec
July 3, 2012
Shocked to hear of the passing of Pat. When I met him at Dave and JoAnne's wedding he was so interested in what it was like to be Daves sister. I told him I give Dave advice whenever he asked for it...his look was of being confused and his response was a full belly laughter. RIP...
JoAnne Watt
July 3, 2012
Only fond memories of Pat in Milwaukee. SO many stories! What a crazy time in those Park Avenue days. I'm sure Dave Watt was there to greet him when he passed. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
William Anderson
July 2, 2012
I was shocked to hear the passing of such a wonderful person. It was great sharing the same suite with him and Bobby in Sanders Hall, RIP big guy.
July 2, 2012
Pat Cummings sank an 18-foot jump shot with five seconds remaining in overtime to give the Bearcats an 89-88 victory over USF, thereby drying all the sweaty palms in Sold Out Cincinnati Gardens and upping the team's record to 21-4.
That game was against the great San Francisco team that featured Winford Boynes, James Hardy, Bill Cartwright, Kevin Restrani, Sam Williams, Snake Jones, Mike Quick on National TV.
Pat you always played your heart out.
RIP
Lewis Gibbons
July 2, 2012
Pat and I had a great time on and off the court; esp, in Chicago. He was a great guy and I will miss you Pat. RIP my friend.
July 2, 2012
RIP Nubs. I spent 4 year's sitting next to Pat in homeroom at Johnstown High School and 4 year's cheering he and my brother on the JHS basketball team. You were always such a fun guy to be around. My prayers and thoughts are with your family during this very difficult time. Celebrating a life well lived. Robin Cruse Bergeron
Barbara Wilson
July 1, 2012
Pat will be greatly missed. I remember those good old days in the 70's. Wonderful memories of UC basketball games and Lake Cumberland with Pat and Bobby "Sherlock". Rest in peace, you are in a much better place. Say Hi to my dad, one of your biggest fans and the main reason he became a BearCat.
Love & prayers are with the Cummings family.
Barbara Geiermann Wilson
sckerra
July 1, 2012
My sincerest condolences to the cummings family on your loss. Psalms 37:29 gives us comfort in hope of life again here on a paradise earth those who righteous are in Gods eye..May you have peace and these words bring tranquility to your heart. My thoughts be with your family.
July 1, 2012
I remember Pat limping around on cructhes at UC during his redshirt year during the winter time. Trying to hitch a ride to the Cicny Gardens to watch the croos-town shoot out and who can forget the battles with Louisville our arch rival. RIP PAT
July 1, 2012
What a geat guy, I remember the UC Fieldhouse days and the Marquette game on National TV at the Fieldhouse and softball game behind Sander Hall and that crazy Accounting Class
Thanks for the Memories Pat
RIP- Michael
Jason Hmiel
July 1, 2012
My first memory of an NBA player. Spent time to talk and sent me some Knicks gear as a kid. Ill never forget it. My dad spoke highly of him as long as I can remember.
July 1, 2012
Pat Cummings, Brian Williams, Mike Artis,
Jimmy Webb, Ron Hightower, Joe Stallworth, Mike Franklin, BOB Miller, Mike Jones..wow what a line up and Gale Catlett in those funny suits at UC Armoy RRIP PAT
RJC
June 30, 2012
REMEMBERING PAT DURING HIS HIGHSCOOL YEARS AT JOHNSTOWN HIGH. HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED,WAY TOO YOUNG. GOD'S BLESSING TO THE CUMMINGS FAMILY. MAY THE HOLY SPIRIT CONFORT YOU IN YOUR TIME OF MOURNING.
Karen Robertson Flaugher
June 30, 2012
A part of my heart and is gone and emotions have been flowing since the news of Pats'sudden passing. Thank God he passed peacefully in his sleep even though he was not ill. Although we lost touch several years ago, the Robertson family and I are in shock and deeply saddened. I suppose death hits you harder when it's unexpected.
Pat and I divorced in Dec. of '87 after 10 years - his wife for 5. Amazing times in our young 20's, combined with unfortunate separation and turmoil, but always with a deep friendship and love for each other. I will cherish the best days, Pat. In the past 25 years, all was forgiven, the Lord healed our hearts, and my family and I still cared and prayed for his happiness. Therefore, I pay tribute to you, Patrick Michael Cummings and your unbelievable life.
P.C. was his own private, complex and unique person, as those of you know that knew him well. Much more than just an awesome basketball player - a real man's man that had good friends, many aquaintances and fans. As someone said recently - a "free spirit". Over 30 years of memories rush in for me, as if still in the moment from our fun UC days in Cincy, to Millwakee, Dallas, NYC and Ohio. Many tears shed this week from all over the country, for the guy that always had a good time, a dominent personality that made you smile and laugh, and was good to his loving family and friends.
Fortunately, I was able to finally move on - 19 years ago I remarried and God gave me a wonderful husband and blessed us with 2 boys. I am so thankful for my life today but still reflective of the days of a previous chapter in my past. Let us all be reminded not to take the life we are given for granted, that life is but a blink of an eye, and we never know when we and others will pass on.
Prayers of comfort and healing go out to his dear mother, Delores, and brother, Mike. May you feel God's loving preseance now and always drawing closer to Him. Only a private burial is planned per his mom.
Rest in peace my beloved Pat...
From the only woman you ever married, you will forever be remembered.
June 30, 2012
I'm really shocked at the news of Pat
I used to chat with him in Oakland when his NBA teams came to the Coloseum. Had some good times with him at UC (THE Catlett Years)
Al Hmiel
June 30, 2012
Pat was my friend and a great guy. I recruited Pat to Cincinnati and helped Coach him. Just a great person and a true friend. God Bless and thanks for being my friend.
mary holmes
June 30, 2012
May the drawing together of family and friends,becomes a cushion for you,my condolences.
Scotty Tenanbaum
June 30, 2012
very sad..RIP
June 30, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Cummings' for your loss of Pat. So sad to hear of his sudden passing. Please find comfort in prayer at this time of bereavement. Psalms 66:19.
June 29, 2012
Praying for your family. Psalms 46:1, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Curtis Sanders jr.
June 29, 2012
Played. My final. Game. In1973 against pat.
Bobby Sherlock
June 29, 2012
I am still feeling the shock from the loss of my college roommate... A truly wonderful friend and teammate. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Pat. The memories have always stayed and now, they seem like yesterday. May you be at peace with the Lord.
June 29, 2012
Billy G, I didn't think I was ever going to stop crying, but seeing your note and thinking of the fun times with the two of you just made me smile. Thanks for that. Hope all is well. Jill
Bill Garnett
June 29, 2012
Love you PC !! See you in heaven. Prayers and love go out to the Family and all the friends of our Big Man. Hoping to get in touch regarding services. [email protected]
Mary Beth Keller
June 29, 2012
Dear Cummings Family ~ My heart breaks and continues to ache knowing that Pat has left us all too soon. I met Pat when he first came to the Buck's, spending many wonderful evenings at Park Avenue. His humor and caring ways will forever play on in my mind. I'll never forget the play-offs in Philly or his visit to Minneapolis in the late 80's, always a friend and always there. He referred to my Dad as Dick Clark, saying that he never aged, my Dad adored him. Rest peacefully Pat, you will always have a piece of my heart. With love, Mary Beth
T B
June 29, 2012
Too young for that! My conolences to his family. God Bless.
June 29, 2012
Sorry to hear about your loss. May the Hearer of prayer comfort you during this time. Psalm 65:2
Linda
June 29, 2012
May God's love and peace sustain you during this difficult time. Psalms 55:22
Tom Bouchard
June 29, 2012
Dear Mike,
My memories of Pat are for the record books, he remained a good friend after leaving Milwaukee for Dallas, his sense of humor was contagious, the day he was traded to the Maverick's will forever be etched in my mind, I'll never forget the look on his face as we walked into Morry's on Prospect to see Nelly sitting at the bar only to let him know he was heading to Dallas, the first of many stops along the way ... rest in peace my friend ..
Gregg Ragle
June 28, 2012
One of the sweetest strokes of UC big men.I have nothing but great memories of me and my brother and Dad watching Cummings lead UC to another win. My condolences to the Cummings family.
Olga P.
June 28, 2012
My condolences to the Cummings family. May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 regarding the loss of your loved one
Darrin Marion
June 28, 2012
My deepest condolences Darrin Marion Zionsville IN
June 28, 2012
My deepest condolences to you and your family. All the best. Darrin Marion Zionsville IN
Steve V.
June 28, 2012
Had the pleasure of being a student in the pep band at UC from 1971-1976. My heartfelt condolences.It was a great time for UC basketball at the fieldhouse.
michellr simmons
June 28, 2012
GOD BLESS U AND FAMILY
FF
June 28, 2012
To family and friends. I am truly sorry for the untimely death of Pat.(1 John 3:20) . . .God is greater than our hearts and knows all things. . .
June 28, 2012
LOVE ALWAYS. MJH
Mike Howard
June 28, 2012
"Big Pat"! Man, I hope that Lloyd and Ron has gotten the sad news and like myself, I pray that they just remember the good times we had at U.C. and the special moments that were so sacred as young men, Black and White, on our journey to be successful in life. I remember, the huge favor that you did for me when you came back to finish up at school after making it in the NBA and how you touched and broke my heart when you told me that you didn't want me to give you the money back and that our friendship was worth far more than money. Man, I have always respected, loved and admired you for demonstrating to me what a true friend was. I pray that 'St. Peter' has met you at the 'gates of heaven' and if you can, please put in a good word for me, Lord knows I could use it! RIP "Big Pat"!
Kevin Driscoll
June 28, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.Great shooter. RIP Pat.
June 28, 2012
R.I.P.
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