Simsbury Obituary: Joseph Cummings, Jr., 59

Joseph Mark Cummings, Jr., of San Diego, CA, passed away on September 21, 2015.

Mark, ever the optimist, will be remembered for his generosity and love of life. He lived his life battling many complicated medical issues without complaint. At Mark’s wishes his body has been donated for science research in the hope that others will benefit.

Born and raised in Simsbury, he graduated in the class of 1974 and is a 1978 graduate of Villanova University. Mark was a history teacher and coach at The Fay School immediately after graduating college. He loved tandem bike rides with his brothers, canoeing the Farmington River and the Pacific Ocean with his buddies from Braille and was a Villanova basketball fan. Always someone who enjoyed the warm air, sun and beach, Mark moved to sunny Southern California, making San Diego his home. He was a communicant of St. Gregory The Great Church, Scripps Ranch, CA, attended the Braille Institute, LaJolla, CA and volunteered at Scripps Hospital in San Diego.

Born July 27, 1956 in Upper Montclair, NJ, Mark was the first of four boys for Susanne Conley Cummings and the late Joseph Mark Cummings.

He leaves his mother Sue, three brothers and their wives, Paul and Karen of West Simsbury, Neil and Cathy of Simsbury and Tony and Natasha of Yungaburra, Australia; his aunt and Godmother, Madelyn FitzGerald of Upper Montclair, NJ and several Conley aunts and cousins. He was the adored uncle to Derek, Brendan, Reed and his wife Carolyn, Conley, Owen, Emmagen and Eliana and a great uncle to Esme. Mark also leaves the love of his life, Marta Rodriguez and the Rodriguez family.

Mark made many friends throughout his life from his high school buddies to the Villanova brothers. He appreciated all of their support over the years. Mark’s family would like to thank the Netzke family-Donald, Joanna, Rob and Kimmy for their love and support provided to Mark over the past 2 years.

There will be no visiting hours. A Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 17th, 11:00 am at St. Marys Church, 946 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury. His cremated remains will be entombed in the Columbarium in the older portion of Simsbury Cemetery, Plank Hill Road.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mark’s name may be made to the Braille Institute of America, 4555 Executive Dr. San Diego, CA 92121.

The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Mark’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.