Daniel E. Cummings

April 13, 1938 - September 2, 2018

Daniel E. Cummings, 80, of Matthews, NC, through the blessing of hospice, died peacefully at home with his family at his side on Sunday, September 2, 2018. Dan was born in Ravenna, Ohio, on April 13, 1938, the son of Daniel Harvey and Irene Culler Cummings. While attending Kent State under the Naval Reserves program where he earned a degree in Political Science, he met the love of his life, Ms. Sandra Hudson. On March 3, 1961, he received his naval commission and on April 8, 1961, he and Ms. Hudson were married. While in the Navy, Dan completed training in Cryptographic School, Engineering Officers Replacement, Naval Justice and Officer Command. He served honorably aboard the USS Sierra during the Cuban Missile Crisis and on September 1, 1964, was honorably discharged as a LTJG. Following his military service, Dan worked in marketing for industrial companies. While working for companies such as John Deere and Bowmar (the company that created the first American made, pocket sized calculator), Dan was able to travel the world and take in the various experiences and cultures it afforded. From dining with shieks to enjoying Turkish coffee in Turkey, Dan had a trove of stories about his life experiences and enjoyed sharing about it. He eventually owned his own professional executive recruitment business in New York before he retired. He and Sandra moved to Charlotte in 1999, and have been residents ever since. Dan enjoyed many things in life, and his naval background showed through. Whether boating, fishing or sailing, he loved to be around water. While on dryer land, he preferred to golf and fix the various things around the house that need a handyman’s touch. What he most enjoyed, however, was the time spent with family and friends. Dan is survived by his wife, Sandra; a daughter Leigh (husband Nader) Mherabi of New York City; a daughter Kelley (husband Ben Danehy) Cummings of Milford, CT, and their three children Leah, Danny and Lily; and a daughter Leslie (husband Bill) Curtis of Charlotte and their two children John and Sarah. Dan is further survived by numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. In honor of his service, Dan’s earthly remains will be committed to his final resting place in a private service at the National Cemetery in Salisbury, North Carolina. Please take a moment to visit Dan’s Tribute Wall and share a memory, photo, video or condolence with the family. Please note, all submissions require admin approval before appearing publicly for all to see. The Cummings family respectfully requests any memorials in Dan’s name be made to a charity of your choice supporting veterans or cancer research with recommendations of the following if you have no personal preference: The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org Wounded Warriers at www.woundedwarriorproject.org