Harvey J. Cummings

Obituary of Harvey J. Cummings 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. As a medic, Harvey relieved the suffering and helped save the lives of many wounded men. He faithfully participated in annual Wayne reunions across the U.S., and was one of ten shipmates to gather last September in Newport, R.I. He was a member of American Legion Sheret 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 & 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&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 life long 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.