Robert G. "Bob" Cummings

Robert “Bob” Cummings, 84, of Altoona, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, at Mount Nittany Medical Center due to complications of the COVID-19 virus. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Alexander Clayton and Pauline Henrietta (Connolly) Cummings. He married Iris June Swanger on Jan. 18, 1957 in Cumberland, MD. They were looking forward to celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary next month.

In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his daughter Louise (Etienne) Runge of Costa Mesa, CA; and sons Robert II and John (Nanette) Cummings of Altoona. He was the proud grandfather of five grandchildren: Michele (Chris) Hoyle; Tina (Rob) McMullen; Alex, Aaron and Addison Cummings (fiance Sam Ference); and one great-grandson: Roman McMullen. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Thomas C. Cummings.

Bob was a licensed Master Plumber and a Journeyman Electrician. He also enjoyed woodworking and masonry work. Over the years, Bob worked at Stanley Electric, The Hoover Agency, James Craft and Son and he retired from D.C. Goodman & Sons in 2000. 

Bob was considered by many to be a “gentleman and a scholar” and was a friend to all and would have a conversation with anyone he met. He loved meeting new friends and catching up with old friends alike. He always enjoyed sharing a chat and telling a story or a joke. Bob enjoyed attending live sporting events and watching them on TV with Iris. He also loved to watch British comedy shows, classic movies and documentaries about history. He loved to read books and listen to country western music. He was an avid Penn State and Pittsburgh Pirates fan. One of Bob’s greatest hobbies was antiquing. He loved to take road trips on the weekend to shop for antiques, so that he could showcase them in the room he built especially for them. Most family meals and gatherings took place in this room – a place filled with so much joy, love and history.

Bob was somewhat of a legend and a historian of the East End neighborhood of Altoona. He helped build the East End Youth Baseball League baseball field. He proudly served as the President of the Youth Baseball League from 1973-1985. He was also a coach for many years. In 2019, he was extremely proud to have been selected to throw out the first baseball to start the baseball season. He really enjoyed attending the games at the field and also listening to the game announcements over the loudspeaker system each summer from his home, which was across the street from the baseball field.

Robert was an active member of the Wehnwood United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Eldorado Kiwanis Club, former President of the Stevens Elementary P.T.A., former member of the Altoona Plumbing Codes Advisory Board, former Union President for Stanley Electric and an honorary member of the “Mudlarks.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no public viewing. A private funeral will be held for the immediate family only.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Interment at Blair Memorial Park. Arrangements by Leslie E. Axe Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bob’s name to: Wehnwood United Methodist Church, 2511 Juniata Gap Road Altoona, PA 16601, or the East End Youth Baseball League. Bob’s laughter, smile, storytelling and love for life will be missed by all who knew him.

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