Leonard E Cummings Sr

Leonard E. Cummings Sr., 95 or "Big Leonard" (as was affectionately called by his wife to distinguish father and son), of Schenectady passed away at the Glendale nursing home on Sunday, February 18, 2018. Born in Dodge County, Georgia, he was the son of the late Leonard E. and Hattie(Smith) Cummings. Leonard served in the US Army and was a proud WWII Veteran. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he migrated to Schenectady and lived with his loving maternal figure, Ms. Tuft, a surrogate mother to him. Shortly after he met Eugenia Crossley his bride of 66 years. God blessed them with one son, Leonard E. Cummings, Jr. known as "Little Leonard". Leonard was a hardworking, non-complaining man who was employed simultaneously at the NYS Office of General Services and KEM Cleaners in Schenectady for well over 40 years. He was a faithful and longtime member of Friendship Baptist Church. He served as a Deacon and an usher until he was no longer able to attend due to his declining health. He was also a member of the Tuscan Masonic Lodge #85 Prince Hall Affiliated, the Shriners Temple Al Tabari #121, the Zerubbabel Chapter #8 and the Albany Consistory #90. Leonard had a quiet, gentle demeanor and an engaging smile for everyone he met. His greatest joy was being with his family and serving his church. He also enjoyed vacationing with his beloved wife, going for walks and listening to gospel music. Leonard was predeceased by his wife Eugenia Crossley Cummings, his son Leonard E. Cummings, Jr. His brother Dietrich Cummings, and a sister Mary Cummings. He is survived by his daughter in law, Marthine Cummings and two granddaughters Stephanie Cummings Carr(Jeffery) and Casey Cummings as well as a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. A celebration of Leonard's life will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 10 am at Friendship Baptist Church, 409 Union Street, Schenectady, NY. Visitation will be held at the church from 9AM to 10AM, prior to the service. Interment with military honors will be at Evergreen Memorial Park in Colonie. The family would like to thank and acknowledge all those in attendance today, Rev. William Lynn Hamilton, Deacons Evans, Twiggs, Deaconess Loveless, and church staff. The family would also like to extend sincere appreciation to his nieces Julia Holcomb and Robin Upsher, the staff at Glendale nursing who cared for Leonard during his many years in residency especially Kathy Vassari, Gordon Botchway, and the entire Dutch Hollow wing staff. Contributions can be made in Leonard's memory to the Fisher House Foundation, 79 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208. Arrangements are by the Bond Funeral Home 1614 Guilderland Avenue Schenectady.