Obituary:
Jerry Cummins

Gerald Paul Cummins, 78, of 8 Chelsea, Lane, Bradford, a prominent local labor leader, died on Christmas Eve (December 24, 2009) at his residence, after a long illness.

Born March 7, 1931 in Bradford he was a son of Jerome and Hazel (Holmes) Cummins. Jerry, as everyone knew him, was a 1949 graduate of Bradford High School.

He was drafted into the United States Army on July 2, 1952 and was deployed to Trieste as a medic, he was honorably discharged on June 11, 1954.

On July 14, 1956 in Knapp Creek he married Billie Jean (Kockler) Cummins who survives.

After being discharged from the Army, Jerry returned to work with his brother, Richard, at the Emery Hotel. In 1954, he joined the Laborer’s International Union of North America as an assistant business agent for Local 836. He remained a member of the Laborer’s Union for the remainder of his life. In 1973, Jerry went to work for the Prevailing Wage Division of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a post he held for 10 years. After retiring from the Commonwealth position, Jerry became business manager of Local 836. He retired in 1989. Upon retirement, Jerry and Billie moved to Mechanicsburg, in order to be closer to their grandchildren. In 2001, they returned to Bradford.

Jerry was an avid Penn State sports fan and took great pleasure in closely following the Nittany Lions throughout the year. He was a former member of the Bradford Moose Lodge, and the American Legion.

Surviving is his wife, Billie, of 53 years, three children: Steven (Nancy) Cummins of Columbia MD, Kari O’Donnell of New Market MD, and Erin (Jason) Hara of Mechanicsburg, and five grandchildren: Shannon Cummins, Liam Cummins, Brittney O’Donnell, Steffani O’Donnell, and Gabrielle O’Donnell, one sister in law; Theresa Cummins, and nieces and nephews, including Joe, Bob, Don, Nick, and Andy Cummins and Dianne Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son: David Cummins who died May 24, 1975, and three brothers: Robert, Donald, and Richard Cummins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am today in St. Bernard Church with the Rev. Leo Gallina, pastor, as celebrant. Following the Mass committal services and military honors will be accorded in the Mausoleum of St. Bernard Cemetery, with burial to follow.

Memorials if desired may be made to St. Bernard Church or St. Bernard School.

Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com.

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