Albert J. Cummings III, 79
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. â€' Albert James Cummings III, 79, of 804 North Hoosac Road, died Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010, at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington.
Born in Williamstown on April 1, 1930, son of Albert J. Cummings Jr. and Ruth Hickox Cummings, he graduated from the former Williamstown High School in 1948.
An Army veteran of the Korean War, he served as a communication sergeant and tank commander with the 25th Reconnaissance Company, 25th Infantry. He was decorated with a bronze service star, National Defense Medal and the U.N./Korean Service Ribbon.
A third-generation contractor, Mr. Cummings and built many fine homes in Williamstown and the surrounding area.
He was an accomplished guitar player until 1991, when he suffered a major stroke. He performed with his own band and many others in the area, including at the Hinsdale Home Club, where he played with Fran LaRoche, Howie Malaney and Hank Bak. He was a member of the Williams Lodge of Masons and Richard A. Ruether American Legion Post 152. He also served as president of the Williamstown Lions Club. He was a member of the Eastern Draft Horse Association, raised Belgians and enjoyed draft horse competitions at local fairs.
He and his wife, the former Joan Kopischke, were married Sept. 11, 1955.
Besides his wife, he leaves three daughters, Bonnie Haig and her husband, Peter, and Susan Anderson, all of New Ashford, and Kathy Karlsen and her husband, Glen, of the state of Florida; a son, Albert J. Cummings IV and his wife Christina, of Williamstown, and eight grandchildren, Sawyer, Walker, Brady and Mackenzie Haig, Bryan and Donald Anderson, and Carter and Taylor Cummings.
He was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy McGraw.
FUNERAL NOTICE â€' Funeral services for Mr. Cummings will take place Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 1 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Williamstown. Burial will follow with full military honors in Westlawn Cemetery, Williamstown.
Calling hours will be Monday, Feb. 1, from 4 to 8 at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Memorial donations are suggested for the Vermont Veterans Home.