Born on March 9, 1931, in Cuba, he was one of fourteen children born to Henry and Elizabeth Bernard Cummins. On August 17, 1951, in West Clarksville, he married his wife of 64 years the former Mary Lou Burdick who predeceased him on October 3, 2015.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952-53. For his military service he received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

Paul was a master carpenter all of his life. His carpentry career started with his employment at the Jordan Lumber Co. of Cuba and later he started Cummins Construction of Cuba and was still working until a few short months ago. One of his greatest joys was being able to work alongside his sons doing something he loved to do. Anyone lucky enough to have some of his handmade furniture, cabinets, or homes were quick to realize the time and labor of love he poured into every piece of woodwork.

Traveling to reunite with his Army buddies, Father’s Day and other times at the family cabin in the Adirondacks, sharing a beer with friends, or simply working on his home were just a few of the things that brought joy to his life. His family, grandchildren, and adopted friends and their families were always very important and close to his heart and many others were “his boys”.

He was a member of the Friendship American Legion Post 1168 and was proud to provide other service members with honors through the color guard detail. He was instrumental in the additions of the Museum and other remodeling projects, as well as restoring the Civil War Cannon that remains on display today. Paul custom built and donated wooden flag cases for numerous veterans through-out Allegany County as a final gift.

He is survived by 2 sons, Barry (Tomie) Cummins and Greg (Marie) Cummins both of Cuba; a daughter, Paula (Glenn) Jackson of Louisville, Georgia; 6 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; a sister, Edith Harp of Friendship; many nieces and nephews; and lifelong special friend, Peggy Baker of Cuba.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his brothers Herman, Arthur, Lawrence, Lavern, Peter, James, Glenn, Alfred, and Andrew, Raymond, and two sisters Anna Ward and Helen Bernard.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba on Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 2-4 & 7-9 P.M. where funeral services will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. Pastor Claudia Little will officiate.

Burial with full military honors accorded by members of Friendship American Legion Post 1168 will be in Cuba Cemetery, Cuba, New York.

Memorials may be made to the Friendship American Legion Post 1168.