Harvey J. Cummings

(Albion, NY) - Harvey J. Cummings, 87, retired local business entrepreneur, died Saturday, August 29, 2009 at home, under the care of his family and Hospice. Born August 5, 1922 in Buffalo, NY to Eugene and Anna (Feiner) Cummings, Harvey is remembered for his compassion, generosity and joy. Harvey was an active member of Holy Family Parish in Albion, NY where he served for many years as a Eucharistic Minister and greeter. He was a Knight of Columbus in Albion, where he helped run bingo nights and benefit breakfasts.A WWII Veteran, Harvey served as a Navy corpsman on the U.S.S. Wayne from 1942 through 1945. The Wayne participated in seven major Pacific landings. He faithfully participated in annual Wayne reunions across the U.S., and was one of 10 shipmates to gather last September in Newport, R.I. He was a member of American Legion Skeret Post 35 and Orleans County Navy Club Ship 269.In 1961, following years of experience with International Harvester and Eastern Machinery, Harvey founded a wholesale farm equipment distribution company, H.J. Cummings, Inc., in the Batavia Industrial Center. Later, Robert Bricker joined the firm and Cummings and Bricker was incorporated in 1963. Harvey served as CEO of Cummings and Bricker, Inc. and Clover Line Corp., a supplier to farm wholesalers. He was active from 1967 in the Farm Equipment Wholesalers Association, an international organization. Today C and B continues to operate as a family company in 20 states, with offices in Batavia, NY and Carlisle, PA.Harvey's choice of the Navy reflected a lifelong love of boating, begun as a teen when he built a small craft in the attic of his Garner Avenue home. Over 40 years, he christened eight boats "Happy Pappy"—an apt description of Harvey. He was a founding member of the Oak Orchard Yacht Club from which he launched many family vacations to the Toronto Islands, the last in 2005 aboard his Nonsuch sailboat. For 25 years he wintered aboard his boat in St. Petersburg, FL. In addition to boating, Harvey liked to keep active by golfing, bicycling, swimming and traveling. He was a past member of Stafford Country Club, and played often at Batavia Country Club. He could be seen in all kinds of weather pedaling his bike around Albion. He was a strong swimmer, no doubt from days of jumping from the Peace Bridge into the Niagara River as a teen. Later, at Godfrey's Pond in Stafford, he taught his six children to enjoy swimming as much as he did. He traveled the world with his wife, Janice, visiting China, Israel, Greece, Turkey, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and South America. Of many places seen in the U.S., Harvey was most impressed by the Grand Canyon.Harvey's love of music and song was a constant throughout his life. From popular hits of the 30's and 40's to Lawrence Welk and Broadway musicals, Harvey knew a multitude of tunes and could recollect the lyrics to an astounding number of songs. He always had a song on his lips and in his heart.Harvey is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 33 years, Janice Porter Warne Cummings. He was the cherished father of Judith (William) Jack of Fairport, NY, James (Sherry) Cummings of Carlisle, PA, Susan Robinson of Batavia, NY, Patricia (Scott) Cummings-Witter of Lockport, NY, Eugene (Lynn) Cummings of Bergen, NY, and Nancy Cummings of Batavia, NY. Also surviving is his adored "Sis," Berniece (William P. - deceased) Barrett of Kenmore, NY and her five children. Predeceased by Nancy Smith Cummings, the mother of his children. Step-father of Steven Warne of Warrensburg, NY, David Warne of Warsaw, NY, Philip (Patricia) Warne of Albion, NY, Sally (Marshall) Cramer of Vancouver, Canada, Susan (Gary) Befus of Albion, NY, and Calvin C.J. (Gail) Warne of Albion, NY. Harvey had 29 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.The family will be present at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 W. Ave., Albion, NY, Monday, August 31st from 6 to 8 PM and Tuesday, September 1st from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. There will be a funeral mass on Wednesday at 10 AM at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph's Church, Albion. Burial will follow at Mt. Albion Cemetery with full Military Honors. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, can be directed to Holy Family Parish, Orleans Hospice or COVA ambulance service, Albion. Visit www.christophermitchell.com to sign an online guest book.