Gerald A. Cummings ’50

Captain Gerald Arthur Cummings 84 years old of Mariaville,Maine passed away peacefully after long illness on April 30, 2014 at Courtland Rehab and Living Center of Ellsworth,Maine.

Gerald was born on November 28, 1929 in South Portland Maine to parents Estelle(York) Wilkie and James Arthur Cumming both predeceased.

Jerry was raised in South Portland and graduated from South Portland High School in 1947. Never a question of attending Maine Maritime Academy as his next step in his schoolastic career, as he wanted to follow in the foot steps of his ancestors-His great grandfather, Captain Joseph York, youngest captain to sail a 7 mast ship at 16 years old and Jeremiah York a famous sea captain whose portrait and legacy can be viewed at the State of Maine Museum in Augusta Maine.

Captain Cummings graduated fro Maine Maritine Academy class of 1950. His shipping career began at Sun Oil based in New York City and also worked for Exxon Mobil Oil Co. and Boston Fuel before returning to Maine Maritime Academy to teach Nautical Science and eventually becoming Vice President of “Training Vessel State of Maine”.

Throughout his many travels around the world he sat with kings,dignitaries and every day people. He was a man of many facets. Upon his retirement he enjoyed many years with his wife Linda (predeceased Aug. 6, 2013) and his six children and many grandchildren, fishing, traveling, and hitting the slots.

He was a member of the Lions Club, Rotary, The Alumni Association of Maine Maritime Academy, and over 50 years as a Free Mason.

He is survived by six children, Deborah Lund of South Portland, Vicki Paul of Pennsylvania, Gigi Wright of Oklahoma, Heather MacPhee of Bristol, Judy Stone of Mariaville and Michael Cummings of Bucksport. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of Gerry’s Life Reception Tuesday July 29, 2014 at the Wyatt House on the MMA campus 11am – 2pm.