David L. Cummings

A Memorial Ride with the Patriot Guard, Newstead Fire Company, friends, and family will honor David Larry Cummings, who passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 21, 2023.  The ride begins at the Ross Funeral Home on Eckerson Avenue at 11:45 a.m. this Saturday, July 1 and will travel through the Village of Akron before ending at the Newstead Fire Hall, where there will be a reception.

Cummings served as Town of Newstead Supervisor for over 21 years, (one four-year term, and over 17 consecutive years prior to resigning early this year), He was born on April 9, 1947 in Batavia, New York to the late Lawrence and Esther Cummings as was 76 at the time of his death.

Dave was a humble and dedicated man of service who spent his life serving both his country and his community. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” David exemplified these values throughout his life, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those who knew him.

A lifelong resident of the Akron/Newstead area, Dave had deep roots in the community and was very knowledgeable about its history, spending countless hours in personal research. In addition to his many years of service as Town Supervisor, he served as Town Councilman for fourteen and a half years during two separate series of terms, one year on the Town Zoning Board of Appeals, and one year on the Town of Newstead Recreation Board, leading with passion and dedication.

David was especially proud of his role in bringing town water to all Newstead residents; the construction of the Akron/Newstead Senior Center; the building and implementation of the Joint Town of Newstead and Village of Akron Municipal Facility; the design and creation of the Cultural Center at the Newstead Public Library; securing funding to expand and create new sections of the bicycle path; and establishing the Newstead Veterans Park.

He was an ardent patriot and served his country honorably in the United States Air Force, where he was surged to active duty in the 832nd Combat Support Group during the Pueblo Incident.  After separating from the Air Force, Dave served in a variety of roles for twenty-five years in the 107th Fighter Group with the New York Air National Guard at the Niagara Falls Air Base. Dave separated from the National Guard as a Master Sergeant having earned both the Air Force Meritorious Service Award and Air Force Commendation Medal during his years of service.

David worked at Buffalo State University for thirty-seven years and retired as the Director of Operational Services. In addition, Dave served as a coordinator within the University’s Employee Assistance Program.  He also earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Buffalo State University.

David was an enthusiastic member of the Newstead Fire Company for twenty-five years, where he served as the President for ten years, as well as served as the manager on the men’s softball team. He was a member of Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church, as well as the American Legion L.L. Tillman Post 900, VFW 3180, the Jaycees, the Newstead Historical Society, Masons, Moose and Elks. Dave also greatly enjoyed coaching the Dande Farms Women’s Softball Team, his involvement in Akron soccer and baseball little league programs, and long participation in weekly golf leagues at Rothland’s and Dande Farms.  He chaired or co-chaired the Akron Celebration Committee for many years, and served on the Newstead Republican Committee.  His commitment to these organizations and his community showcased his born leadership and his desire to make a difference. 

Dave greatly cherished the many life-long friendships he built.  He was always quick to help neighbors and friends in need.  Forever the life of the party, he was an avid genealogist, enjoyed taking in live music, wine tasting excursions, world-wide travel, watching the New York Yankees and taking the back roads to find a new ice cream stand.

Loving father of Jason (Katie) Cummings, Nathan Cummings, Nicole (Daniel) Klonowski; cherished grandfather of Elizabeth B. Cummings, Anna L. Cummings, Isaac K. Cummings, Tyler S. Zimmerman, Gavin D. Klonowski and Dakota T. Klonowski; steadfast brother to Daniel Cummings.

A Memorial Celebration of Dave’s life will be held at the Newstead Fire Company, 5691-5801 Cummings Road, Akron, New York, 14001, on Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. All are invited to join family and friends in celebrating the life of a man who truly made a difference in his community. Arrangements by Ross Funeral Home of Akron, LLC. Please visit rossakron.com to leave memories and upload photos, as we remember and honor his life and the legacy he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Dave’s memory to Hospice Buffalo, Newstead Fire Company, or the Akron-Newstead Senior Center.