1919
Merrill
2023
Merrill Cheney Cummings
June 16, 1919 — September 16, 2023
Merrill Cummings Obituary
Chief Merrill “Smokey” Cummings graciously left this life on September 16, 2023 after 104 years to reunite with his wife Barbara.
Merrill was born in Hartford, CT to Albert and Luella (Goodale) Cummings on 6/16/1919.
He often spoke fondly of the 10 summers he spent as a youngster helping his Aunt and Uncle at the Brocton, MA Humane Society.
Merrill was a fireman through and through. As a young man he was involved with both the Hartford and Wethersfield fire departments. His connection to the fire service encouraged him to continue his education and he graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1941.
He started his military service in the U.S. Army at Fort Devens, MA on April 23, 1942. He served in Scotland and England and was honorably discharged on January 26, 1946.
On October 31, 1953 he married the love of his life, Barbara Jane Lewis and as they settled into the Storrs community, they had two children, Jane and John.
Merrill became the first paid fire Chief at The University of Connecticut in 1946. Along with his fellow firefighters he helped to make the fire service what it is today. During his career, Merrill’s main focus as fire chief was on fire prevention and proudly reported that every building at UConn is now protected by a sprinkler system. He worked tirelessly to obtain the funding for a new firehouse-unfortunately that never came to fruition on his watch. He was a proud member of the National Fire Protection Association as well as many other organizations and groups. Merrill retired from UConn after 32 years of service on May 19, 1978.
In 1947 he joined the Mansfield Volunteer Fire Department and was recently awarded the honor of being the oldest living member of the department.
In retirement, Barbara and Merrill were very active with the Mansfield Senior Center and took many trips including to Alaska and Hawaii.
Merrill’s love of the fire department continued into his retirement as he became an avid fire truck modeler and collector. His collection grew to over 40 die-cast and hand-made fire engine scale models.
He also loved woodworking and made each of his children and grandchildren a keepsake cedar chest.
Merrill was a dedicated caregiver to Barbara for 10 years prior to her passing in 2013.
Amazingly Merrill’s good health afforded him the ability to remain in his own home until just a few weeks prior to his passing.
Merrill was predeceased by his parents, his sister Grace, brother George, and his wife Barbara.
He is survived by his daughter Jane and son-in-law Ben Cornell of Hampton, his son John and daughter-in-law Isabel Cummings of Middlesex, NJ. His 2 grandchildren Scott Cornell of Hampton and Jennie Cornell and Marshall McKenna also of Hampton. He leaves 3 great grandchildren, Dillon Cornell of Storrs, Devin Cornell of Storrs and Cheyenne McKenna of Hampton. He also leaves a very loving and dedicated family friend, Karen Marie Smith. A special thank you to his caregivers that kept him going in his home for so long: Audrey Daigle, Debbie Smith and Gail Charron. Also, to the amazing staff at Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehab for their love, compassion and attention to detail who helped make Merrill’s last weeks very special.
Merrill’s family will receive family and friends at the Potter Funeral Home, 465 Jackson St (Rt. 195), Willimantic from 10am to 11:30 am on Thursday September 21, 2023. His funeral service will immediately follow. Burial will follow in the North Cemetery, Hammond Hill Rd, Hampton.
In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Merrill’s name to a volunteer fire department of your choice.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Merrill Cheney Cummings, please visit our floral store.
Read More
Chief Merrill “Smokey” Cummings graciously left this life on September 16, 2023 after 104 years to reunite with his wife Barbara.
Merrill was born in Hartford, CT to Albert and Luella (Goodale) Cummings on 6/16/1919.
He often spoke fondly of the 10 summers he spent as a youngster helping his Aunt and Uncle at the Brocton, MA Humane Society.
Merrill was a fireman through and through. As a young man he was involved with both the Hartford and Wethersfield fire departments. His connection to the fire service encouraged him to continue his education and he graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1941.
He started his military service in the U.S. Army at Fort Devens, MA on April 23, 1942. He served in Scotland and England and was honorably discharged on January 26, 1946.
On October 31, 1953 he married the love of his life, Barbara Jane Lewis and as they settled into the Storrs community, they had two children, Jane and John.
Merrill became the first paid fire Chief at The University of Connecticut in 1946. Along with his fellow firefighters he helped to make the fire service what it is today. During his career, Merrill’s main focus as fire chief was on fire prevention and proudly reported that every building at UConn is now protected by a sprinkler system. He worked tirelessly to obtain the funding for a new firehouse-unfortunately that never came to fruition on his watch. He was a proud member of the National Fire Protection Association as well as many other organizations and groups. Merrill retired from UConn after 32 years of service on May 19, 1978.
In 1947 he joined the Mansfield Volunteer Fire Department and was recently awarded the honor of being the oldest living member of the department.
In retirement, Barbara and Merrill were very active with the Mansfield Senior Center and took many trips including to Alaska and Hawaii.
Merrill’s love of the fire department continued into his retirement as he became an avid fire truck modeler and collector. His collection grew to over 40 die-cast and hand-made fire engine scale models.
He also loved woodworking and made each of his children and grandchildren a keepsake cedar chest.
Merrill was a dedicated caregiver to Barbara for 10 years prior to her passing in 2013.
Amazingly Merrill’s good health afforded him the ability to remain in his own home until just a few weeks prior to his passing.
Merrill was predeceased by his parents, his sister Grace, brother George, and his wife Barbara.
He is survived by his daughter Jane and son-in-law Ben Cornell of Hampton, his son John and daughter-in-law Isabel Cummings of Middlesex, NJ. His 2 grandchildren Scott Cornell of Hampton and Jennie Cornell and Marshall McKenna also of Hampton. He leaves 3 great grandchildren, Dillon Cornell of Storrs, Devin Cornell of Storrs and Cheyenne McKenna of Hampton. He also leaves a very loving and dedicated family friend, Karen Marie Smith. A special thank you to his caregivers that kept him going in his home for so long: Audrey Daigle, Debbie Smith and Gail Charron. Also, to the amazing staff at Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehab for their love, compassion and attention to detail who helped make Merrill’s last weeks very special.
Merrill’s family will receive family and friends at the Potter Funeral Home, 465 Jackson St (Rt. 195), Willimantic from 10am to 11:30 am on Thursday September 21, 2023. His funeral service will immediately follow. Burial will follow in the North Cemetery, Hammond Hill Rd, Hampton.
In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Merrill’s name to a volunteer fire department of your choice.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Merrill Cheney Cummings, please visit our floral store.
Read More
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Merrill Cheney Cummings, please visit our flower store.
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