Frank Cummings

Frank L. Cummings, age 84, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 3, 2021. Frank was born in Englewood, NJ and has lived in Waterford Township for the past 36 years. He served in the Army in his youth and then went on to work as an electrician at Campbell’s Soup for 31 years and then Lakeland Hospital until his retirement. Not one to sit idle, Frank became a volunteer ambulance driver for Waterford Township, was involved in the Democrat Club and ran a small business, “Frank’s Custom Rods”, repairing and making custom fishing rods, tying rigs and making jigs for his friends, family and fellow fishing enthusiasts. Frank had a life-long love of Surf Fishing, especially for Stripers and Bluefish. He and his friend, Jim Parker, Sr., created the South Jersey Squid Hounds Club in the early 1950’s. Together with the club, friends, and family, he fished, entered tournaments, and watched the sun rise over the ocean up and down the east coast from Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras. They also sponsored local youth fishing events and tournaments so that area children would find that same passion for the sport. In his later years, making custom fishing rods was his passion. Frank put his heart and soul into each rod that he made or fixed. If you came to him for a rod, you were invited for a tour of his shop to talk and share fishing stories. He left a little bit of himself in each rod he made and expected them to be taken on a journey as they were made to create great memories and be appreciated. If you have one of his custom rods, know that he will be there fishing right alongside you and wishing you “tight lines and fair weather”. Frank also enjoyed teaching his craft to his children, grandchildren, and son-in-law. For those who own a custom rod by Frank, have fished by his side, or just love the sport, please share your memories with us – as he always loved a great fishing story (even if a bit embellished). Another great passion in his life was Family. Frank was survived by his beloved wife and partner of 37 years, Laurelle Cummings, his children (and spouses): Frank & Lynn Cummings; Brenda & Frank Arico, Donald Cummings; Lynne & Mike Baran; Sherill & Jim Beatty; Debra & John Countey and Joel Fishbein; 23 Grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren. Frank was pre-deceased by his parents, Frank & Bea Cummings and son, William. A viewing will be held on Thursday October 7, 2021, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Leroy Wooster Funeral Home, 441 White Horse Pike, Atco, NJ. A prayer service will begin at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow at Berlin Cemetery, Berlin, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ascend Hospice, 65 Jackson Drive, Suite 103 Cranford, NJ 07016, or Friends of Island Beach State Park, https://www.friendsofibsp.org/donate/ would be appreciated.