David N. Cummings

David N. Cummings, 90, lifelong resident of Watertown, passed away February 18, 2024 at Samaritan Summit Village.  He will be missed beyond measure.

Dave was born January 7, 1934 in Watertown, NY, son of Norman E. and Gwendolyn N. Cummings.  His roots went deep in Watertown.  His grandfather, George W. Cummings, was the caretaker for the Paddock Mansion on Washington Street.  His parents purchased a home on Flower Avenue East in the late 1930’s and the family continues to live there to this day.  He graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy in 1951 and went on to attend Canton Agricultural and Technical Institute.

Dave began working at WWNY Radio in 1952.  In 1953, he was called to active duty in the United States Army where he was stationed in Korea.  He served for two years before returning to Watertown in 1955.  Upon his return he continued his career at WWNY transitioning into television.  He often spoke of the many changes he was able to see, and take part in, over his 39 years with the company.  He retired in 1991 as Director of Operations.

While at WWNY he met Norma J. Pitkin, who also worked there.  They were married in 1959 at Holy Family Church in Watertown with Monsignor Robert Lawler officiating.  Norma passed away in 2010 after 51 years of a strong and loving marriage.

Dave believed in helping others, although his service was often done quietly.  He served on the Board of Habitat for Humanity as well as Literacy Volunteers of America.  As a literacy tutor, he taught 10 years at the Watertown Correctional Facility and, in 1993, he was honored as the LVA Tutor of the Year.  Dave also believed strongly in the mission of The Salvation Army where he served on the Board and as its president.  In later years he gave his support to the Evans-Cummings Scholarship at SUNY Potsdam which awards scholarships to education students at the college.  He enjoyed meeting and encouraging the recipients and, for his efforts, was awarded a 2022 Honorary Life Membership in the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association.  He was a founding member of the Railway Historical Society of NNY and was presently a member of the Watertown Area Model Railway Club.  He was a communicant of Holy Family Church where he served as an usher.

Dave is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Lance Evans of Watertown; two sisters-in-law, Alberta Pitkin of Watertown and Joni Pitkin of Brownville; many nieces and nephews as well as many great nieces and great nephews; and numerous friends.

Besides being with his family or riding on a train, Dave’s happiest place was on the St. Lawrence River.  He loved being by the water and watching the freighters.  In honor of this love, a Celebration of Life will be held at the River in the spring.  Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

If you wish to remember Dave, please give a helping hand or a kind word to someone in need.  If you would like to make a charitable contribution, we would ask you to consider the Evans-Cummings Scholarship for education majors at SUNY Potsdam.  Dave knew the importance of a good education for every child as well as how important it is to train strong teachers.  Those donations could be sent to The Potsdam College Foundation, 44 Pierrepont Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13676.

Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter. A graveside service will be held at Noon on Friday June 8th in Brookside Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to www.dexterfuneralhome.com

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