Obituary of F. David Cummings
David Cummings, 93, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, in Rochester, New York. A lifelong seeker of knowledge and a compassionate guide to many, David’s life was marked by deep intellectual curiosity, spiritual exploration, and dedication to his family and community.
Born on January 14,1932, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, David was the son of Elsie and Frank Cummings. He graduated from Attleboro High School in 1950. His early calling to ministry led him to Atlantic Union College, where he earned a B.A. degree in ministry in 1954. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Doris Chapin Cummings—a partnership that began when they were just fourteen years old and endured for decades with love and mutual respect.
Dave’s professional journey reflected his passion for helping others navigate life’s complexities. After beginning his career as a history teacher at Chittenango High School in New York, he pursued further education at Syracuse University, earning a Master’s Degree in School Guidance Counseling, and a Master’s Degree in School Administration. He returned to Chittenango High School as a guidance counselor, where he became known for his ability to help students make decisions with clarity and compassion. He was also a leader for the staff and successfully negotiated contracts which improved student education as well as meeting the needs of staff.
Though he began his spiritual path as a Seventh-day Adventist minister, Dave’s beliefs evolved over time. He expanded his spirituality beyond Christianity and found a welcoming community at May Memorial Unitarian Church in Syracuse. His open-minded approach to faith mirrored his broader worldview—one rooted in understanding, inquiry, and action.
David had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. A voracious reader with a keen interest in health and science, he spent much of his later years reading and writing about preventative health care and chronic illness advocacy. He cared deeply not only for those closest to him but also for the broader challenges facing humanity.
Outside of his professional and intellectual pursuits, gardening, hiking, camping, climbing mountains, canoeing, and sailing were keen interests. Dave also designed and built a unique home for his family, doing much of the work himself. He was always involved in a project of some kind.
David was devoted to his family. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Denise Rizzo and her husband Steve; granddaughters Kristin Rizzo and Kaila Rizzo; son Del Cummings and daughter-in-law Vicki; son Dwight Cummings and daughter-in-law Leslie; grandsons Evan Cummings, Eric Cummings, and Ian Cummings; and daughter DeAnn Cummings.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Doris Chapin Cummings as well as his parents Elsie and Frank Cummings.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders (https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/) or St. Ann's Community (https://stannscommunity.com/). The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of St. Ann's Community in Rochester for the excellent care David received during the final days of his life.
May David’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him—and may we carry forward his legacy of thoughtful reflection, compassionate guidance, and enduring curiosity about the world.