Obituaries

Joseph R. Cummons, III, 64

July 25, 2022

Joseph R. Cummons, III, 64, of Lititz, passed away unexpectedly at his home on July 25, 2022. Born in Bucks County, he was the son of Joseph R. Cummons, Jr. and the late Phyllis A. (Kruise) Cummons. On July 24, he celebrated his 39th wedding anniversary with his sweetheart, Mary (Rosso) Cummons.

Hardworking, driven and “larger than life” are just a few ways people remember Joe. In 2014 he retired after 39 years at Graham Packaging; he determined shortly thereafter that retirement was not for him. Most recently he was the CEO of Mauser Packaging Solutions. While Joe will be remembered as a dedicated worker, he also cherished the time he spent with his family. Making memories with his family was what Joe held as his highest priority. If he loved you, you knew it! He enjoyed playing golf, any kind of grilling or barbecuing, and wine. Joe was the definition of a wine connoisseur.

Joe was a long-time member of the Life Center Ministries in Harrisburg, PA and served on the advisory board of Victory Church.

His love will live on in his father, Joseph R. Cummons, Jr; wife, Mary Cummons; children, John Dooley of Mountville, Denise Smith, wife of Chris of Levittown, Krystal Cummons-Swigart (Brandon) of Manheim Township; grandchildren, Amanda Weyandt, wife of Doug of Bedford, Jacob Dooley of Mountville, Anthony Cummons, Winter Cummons and Jojo Swigart, all of Manheim Township; great grandchildren, Jeremiah Dooley Cruz and Jayce Weyandt; and sisters, Patty Baron, Sandy Lackman and Joy Blosser. He was preceded in passing by his mother, Phyllis A. Cummons.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, July 29, 2022, at Life Center Ministries, 411 S. 40th St., Harrisburg, PA 17111. A viewing will be held at the church from 10 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at a later date at Washington Crossing National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

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Condolences to the Family

February 27, 2024

Mary, I’m so sorry to hear of Joe’s death.  Charlie and I had no idea.
I just reached out to Joe through LinkedIn , to call me.  I was going to tell him of Charlie’s death in January.
I will remember our fun we had in New York and seeing Phantom of the Opera and Sardi’s.  Also our dinner at LaBec Fin.  And the fun we had that evening.  Again I am sorry that we didn’t know.
Rebecca Puff

June 23, 2023

I am truly truly truly heartbroken of hearing of Joe’ passing. I’ve been looking for this friend for years. I honestly was wanting with all my heart to find Joe and catch up.please call me as I’d like to meet loving family more than anything. deepest regrets,
Richard Alligood 
(817) 878 3220 
richardalligood@live.com

August 22, 2022

Sorry so late with this note, but just found out. He was fair and demanding which is all you can ask for in a boss. Rest in Peace Joe!

August 12, 2022

It is with a heavy heart I am writing this Joe was a great inspiration to all the team in Ireland and I have great memories of lifting a glass or two with him. Please accept our deepest sympathy on your sad loss. RIP old friend 

August 01, 2022

Spent 3 years working with Joe. So sorry to hear this news. May his memory be a blessing to you all!
Ken Hoffman

July 31, 2022

I worked briefly with Joe and found him to be a good man. Very sorry to hear he’s gone. 
Bruce Andersen

July 30, 2022

My deepest condolences to the Cummons family for your loss. Unfortunately I only got to know and worked with Jim during the last year and in that time I got to know him as a very committed family man and outstanding co-worker and colleague. In particular I always appreciated his optimisim, hepfulness and can do attitude in a sometimes very challenging business environment. For Jim there were no problems, only opportunities and solutions.
He will be sorely missed.

July 30, 2022

Condolences to the entire Cummons family. Joe’s passing is truly a sad and unexpected loss to family and friends. Joe touched everyone he met. I consider him a great guy, great co-worker and especially a great friend. Joe and family will remain in my prayers. 

July 29, 2022

So saddened to hear of Joe’s unexpected passing.  My heartfelt prayers go out to his entire family and especially his wife, children and grandchildren that he so fondly talked about and admired  
I worked for Joe for about 6 months in 2020 and can truely say that he made a significant impact on not just me but the entire plant that he gave his full support towards.  Absolutely, one of the most genuine and best    humans that I have ever worked with.  Prayers and condolences to the entire family. 
Daniel Tascarella

July 29, 2022

Cummons Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss.   Joe will be missed by all.
Jack and Elaine McCallum 
 

July 29, 2022

Kellie and I were saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. We are friends of Joe and Ann Smith. Are prayers are going up for your family. Ben and Kellie Krothe 5th.

July 29, 2022

I am deeply saddened by the news of Joe’s passing. I owe my success at Graham, more to Joe than to anyone else, because he carried me on his shoulders. I have never known anyone with more enthusiasm, loyalty and dedication than Joe. I met Joe in 1984 at the Bristol plant when he was a young supervisor, but even the there was something special about him and you could tell that he was going places. From that moment, until 2010 when I left Graham, he was always at my side, always encouraging, always pushing, always delivering. Joe, my friend, my deepest gratitude to you for what you did for Graham and what you did for me, personally. May your soul rest in peace.

July 29, 2022

I am deeply saddened by the news of Joe’s passing. I owe my success at Graham, more to Joe than to anyone else, because he carried me on his shoulders. I have never known anyone with more enthusiasm, loyalty and dedication than Joe. I met Joe in 1984 at the Bristol plant when he was a young supervisor, but even then there was something special about him and you could tell that he was going places. From that moment, until 2010 when I left Graham, he was always at my side, always encouraging, always pushing, always delivering. Joe, my friend, my deepest gratitude to you for what you did for Graham and what you did for me, personally. May your soul rest in peace.

July 28, 2022

Mary & Family I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Mary I still remember your wedding & one of your friends singing One in a Million every time I hear it I think of you & Joe. Mary hold onto those Precious memories. Joe was a Great guy. My heart breaks for All of Joe’s Family. Thinking of You & sending prayers.
Michelle Rizzo-Angelo

July 28, 2022

My condolences to the Cummons family.  Joe was a great leader and person.  It was an honor to get to know him.  He will be missed.
Nick Santamaria & family
 

July 28, 2022

Wish to pass my condolences on to the entire family. I am truly blessed to have had Joe touch my life. May Joe’s memory be forever treasured within you entire family.

July 28, 2022

My sincere sympathy goes out to Joe’s family. I do feel blessed to not only have worked for this gentleman but he was a true friend and mentor for the past 30 years. Rip my friend Ron and Sherry White

July 28, 2022

Amanda Dougie and family…my prayers are with u all…God gained a beautiful angel…may he be in your heart always….love u all
Sheryl D Hunter

July 28, 2022

To Mary and all of the Cummins family
To know Joe was to love him. We so looked forward to seeing him and his golfing buddies every October. He certainly was one of the good guys. He will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace.
Mel Friedman and Mary Ann Palma

July 28, 2022

Patty, I am sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. May he rest in the peace of our Lord.
Rick Armstrong

July 28, 2022

On behalf of the ladies of Lancaster County Marine Corps League Auxiliary, Unit 274, I offer my sympathy and thank you for the service of US Marine Joseph R. Cummons, III. May he rest in peace.
Semper Fi,  Andrea Accardi, Chaplain

July 28, 2022

So sorry for your loss . I grew up and went to school with Joe in levittown and we always were having fun when he was around . he was a great guy who would do anything he could to help you out . i know he will be surely missed . My dearest sympthies to his family and friends.
Daniel Mannocchi

July 28, 2022

I was extremely saddened to hear this news from former colleagues of ours at Graham. Joe and I worked together for many years and yes I remember him as a hard working dedicated person. But I also remember Joe as a friend and fellow golfer! We would talk about how you can really understand the integrity of someone when you play with them on a golf course! Joe had integrity that’s for sure like the time he smashed out a window of a house while we were playing he insisted on finding the home owner to make amends. Not just because it was Wayne Gretzky’s house! The World will Miss you my friend!
prayers for Peace and God’s understanding for Mary and family🙏✝️🙏
George and Kay Peterson

July 27, 2022

Our sincere condolences to the Cummons family. 🙏🏼
Bent Creek Family

July 27, 2022

My heart goes out to you, Mary, and to your entire family. May you and everyone who loved Joe, find peace. Love Marion Snipes

July 27, 2022

Joe influenced me to dream bigger.  I will owe hima piece of my professional future from this point forward.  
My husband is 63 and this has reminded me to cherish him even more than i do.
 
Lisa

July 27, 2022

I met Joe one day walking with my dog. He was lovely- engaging, friendly, funny. I am honored to have met him. I send condolences to his wife, Mary, his children, and all his family.
Erin and Michael Wright

July 27, 2022

To the Family. Joe was a great impact on my professional life. But more importantly he had a heart of gold. He was loved and was a force of nature that will not be forgotten.
Sorry we can’t make the services.
Ted and Fran Lyon

July 27, 2022

So sorry for the loss…. Joe and I were like brothers,from our younger years(much). I will never loose the memories of time spent with Joe and his whole family over the past 60 years.Yes I’m that old. I love Joe,I don’t like the feeling my sole has without him.I will pray always for him and his family,recalling the special and fun times we had together. A special friend he was.To the family….I love you all.❤️ Joe will always be with me. 
Lester (Buddy) Bobbs

July 27, 2022

To Mary and your family.  My heart goes out to you for such a great loss of your dear, Joe.  You are in my prayers for strength, comfort and His Peace that passes all understanding. Love you! Beth Rider

July 27, 2022

Our love and condolences to Mary and all the family. We were blessed to know Joe and will fondly remember Joe helping with our home before we moved to Delaware. We will remember his happy loving attitude and especially at our last neighborhood get together. Love and hugs, Beth & Bruce

July 27, 2022

Joe was an amazing man full of life and passion. I will remeber him as the leader he presented to the world. My deepest condolences to Mary and family.
John Mullaney

July 27, 2022

Absolutely shocked by the news of my friend.   What a wonderful neighbor and gentleman. He relished his life roles as husband, father and grandfather. He always lit up the room when he entered. He will be dearly missed by every life he touched.
Bruce Engelmann

July 27, 2022

To Mary and all Joe’s family our hearts go out to you at this difficult time 💔 May Joe’s memory be a blessing.  I feel blessed that I knew him. With much love, Nancy Bergen and David Kalkstein 

July 27, 2022

We are so very sorry for your loss! He was a wonderful man! We will be making a contribution in Joe’s name to St. Jude’s. 

July 27, 2022

Our sincere condolences.🙏

July 27, 2022

Our condolence’s to Mary and the entire Cummons family.  Joe was a dear friend and golfing companion.  We always looked forward to our annual Florida golf outing together which provided so many great memories.  Joe talked frequently about his family with great joy. We shared good food, drinks, golf, an occasional Cigar along with lots of laughs together.  Joe had stories to tell, which is to say he had a full life filled with a wonderful loving family, work that he excelled at and a great number of friends. I am thankful for our time spent together and pray that Mary and the Cummons family can find peace through their own special memories of Joe in the difficult weeks and months ahead.  I love you buddy! Rest in Peace.  Marty and Judy Dennis

July 27, 2022

My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Gerda & Basil Pizzuto

July 27, 2022

To the family of Papa Joe,
May you all continue to have strength in this sad time.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I am so sorry.  Lots of hugs and I am thinking of you all.
Love, Jenn Bender

July 27, 2022

Ted and I are beyond sad at Joe’s sudden passing. So glad we got to see him at The Peninsula just one week before!  Mary, you and your family are in our prayers!

Visitation
Friday, July 29, 2022
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Life Center Ministries
411 S. 40th St.
Harrisburg, PA 17111
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Services
Friday, July 29, 2022
11:00 AM
Life Center Ministries
411 S. 40th St.
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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