John Anthony Cummings

John Anthony Cummings, 83, passed peacefully on June 11th, 2020. Jack, as he preferred to be called, was born and raised in Hells Kitchen NYC, where he lived until meeting his wife Isabelle M. McGuinness they moved to Long Island, where they had four children.

Jack was a prominent figure in his children’s early years acting as a coach in the sports the children participated in, most notably baseball and basketball. Jack was a man of many passions. He is recalled as a fantastic dancer, lover of music, and a dedicated fan of the New York Yankees and New York Knicks. Jack also loved bowling and was active for decades in several bowling leagues on Long Island.

Jack was employed at Pilgrim Psychiatric hospital in the capacity of technical assistant and union representative for many years until retiring in 1992 after nearly four decades of service.

Jack dedicated a large portion of his life to Alcoholics Anonymous after finding and embracing sobriety at the age of 35. His dedication to A.A. provided him many lifelong friends. His unique ability to identify and dissolve the barriers to sobriety allowed him to sponsor and advocate for the thousands of people he met in his 48 years of sobriety. Jack’s life motto was one day at a time. Jack is survived by his four children: John, James, Patricia, and Brian. Four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Jack will always be in the hearts and minds of family and friends for his dedication to life and helping others in their times of need. Though many were unaware, Jack served during the Korean War in the United States Army. Jack was laid to rest June 16th, 2020, with military honors and is buried in Calverton National Cemetery Calverton, New York.