Harold Cummins

Harold J. (Hal) Cummins, 88, of 245 Thompson Blvd., died Sunday, November 1, 2009 at his residence in the loving care of his family and Hospice of Jefferson County.

Born on Dec. 7, 1920 in the Town of Denmark, he was the son of the late Everett and Delia Dionne Cummins. He was a 1938 graduate of Augustinian Academy of Carthage. Hal served the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939 and 1940. In 1941 he was employed by the Taggart Corp. Carthage. He joined the US Army in Oct. of 1942 and served with the 161st Financial Disbursing Section in the Pacific theatre from May of 1943 thru Dec. of 1945. He was hired by St. Regis Paper Co. in Deferiet in Jan. of 1946 and retired as assistant plant controller in Jan. of 1983 after 37 years of service. On March 9, 1946 he married Edna E. Snyder Miller in Carthage. Mrs. Cummins died on May 5, 1997.

Hal was known locally for his love of sports, officiating baseball, football and basketball for many years. An avid bowler and golfer, he helped coach junior bowlers and golfers. He was a member of Chapter 55 of the 700 Club and was selected as a member of its Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Watertown Golf Club and the American Legion Post # 61, Watertown.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Francis and Nancy Miller of Crestview, FL, two grandsons and their wives, Philip Miller and Debra O'Day of Bristow, VA and Christopher and Carrie Miller of Oregon, IL, three great-grandchildren, Schuyler, Connor and Logan Miller and several nieces and nephews. Two sisters, Doris M. Bisha and Thelma Lencer died previous.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 am at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, 518 State St. Carthage. Burial will follow in the Black River Cemetery. There will be a calling hour on Thursday from 10-11 am.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 245 Washington St. Watertown, NY 13601.