In Memoriam: Frank L. Cummings

Age 85, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2014, in Pittsburgh, PA. Born in 1929 in Ambridge, Frank grew up in Baden. He was a son of the late Robert L. and Helen (Hannigan) Cummings. Frank began to pursue his musical education at a young age, followed later by study at Carnegie Tech and Duquesne University. After serving in the U.S. Army for two years, Frank married Sally Campney and they enjoyed 42 years of marriage until her death in 1996. Frank spent his life educating and inspiring others through choral music. He mentored and impacted thousands of students at Moon Junior High, North Hills High School, and Ross Elementary School. His legendary choirs at North Hills won countless awards and toured both nationally and internationally. Frank also touched many lives through his work in church music at Memorial Park Presbyterian Church, the Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon, and more recently at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sewickley. He also taught private piano to dozens of students. Frank is survived by his son, Craig (Sarah) Cummings of Ithaca, NY; grandchildren, Owen and Anna Cummings of Ithaca, NY; sister, Helen Lou Walker of Midland, PA; brother, William (DeAnna) Cummings of Trenton, FL; and longtime companion, Doris Stieving of Sewickley. A Memorial Service, officiated by Pastor Thomas Moog of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, will take place on Friday, December 12, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon. A private burial will follow. The family has entrusted arrangements to RICHARD D. COLE FUNERAL HOME OF SEWICKLEY. 
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Published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Dec. 7, 2014- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/postgazette/obituary.aspx?n=frank-l-cummings&pid=173392913&fhid=9830#sthash.UY67nVNi.dpuf


In honor and memory of Mr. Cummings and the tradition of singing the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's MESSIAH at North Hills choral concerts, here is the video from October's Alumni Choir performance:

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