Daniel L. Cummings

Daniel L. Cummings, affectionately known as Danny, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026 at the age of 83, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 16,1942 in Batavia, NY to Lawrence and Esther Cummings. He was dedicated to serving others all throughout his life.

In his early years, he was Vice-President of the Erie County Agricultural Association. He was also a proud member of the Erie County Future Farmers of America. Danny became a member of the Newstead Fire Company in 1960. He served as 2nd Assistant Chief in 1964, 1st Assistant Chief in 1969 and 1970, and then, served as Chief in 1971. He later served as Fire Police Captain from 2014 until recently. He also played in the late 1960's on the fire company's first softball team. Danny further served the Town of Newstead in various ways. He was Dog Control Officer from 1983-2000 and a Town Of Newstead Constable from 1989-2003. The fascinating stories he had collected from his experiences were endless. 

He was very musically inclined as well. He played the trumpet in various marching bands. He played the fiddle in school and different venues and bars across Western New York. He was in many school musicals and he enjoyed square dancing anywhere they had an event. Danny enjoyed frequenting local restaurants, Amish stores, cattle auctions, farm auctions and the list goes on. He enjoyed taking long random drives with Judie and their dog, Lena. His farm on Utley Road is his life long legacy. Danny grew up in the house next door to his current farm and from the time he was a young boy, he tended to many different kinds of animals on his dad's farm and few other family member's farms. Throughout the years, he taught his sons, family members and friends how to drive tractors, trucks and all kinds of farm equipment. Anyone who ever entered Danny's life, has a story. Danny loved doing anything that was outdoors. Besides the farm, he would go on ATV trips with his family and friends and lend a helping hand to his neighbors. He had made countless friends throughout his 83 years.

His work ethic was unmatched. His first job was working for Don York as a laborer. He got his CDL license at 18 years old and worked for Alex Smith. He had worked for many different trucking outfits in his years. He became an owner-operator, named Dan Cummings Trucking. He could drive anything he could get his hands on. He was also a human almanac. He knew the location of anything you could ask him about and tell you exactly how to get there, no matter what state it was in. He travelled the countryside in his years of trucking. He retired his last semi in 2005. He went on to work for local companies, such as Kimil Construction, DH Paving, Kulbacks Construction and Thomann Asphalt to name a few. He hung the trucker hat up just recently in 2022. He would then continue along on his farm, tending to his goats, chickens and cattle. He grew many different kinds of vegetables on his farm as well. He was very proud of the pumpkins he would plant every year.  Anyone who entered his property, would get a tour of all his animals, gardens and a story to go along with it. Judie, his sons, grandchildren, extended family and friends were everything to him. It is impossible to convey in words just how much he meant to them as well. He was a true legend!

Danny is survived by his son Chad (Kristen)Cummings, his grandchildren Jessica, Jacob, Julianna, and Emily Cummings. He is also survived by his niece Nicole Cummings-Klonowski, nephew Nathan Cummings, and several members of his extended family. He is predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Esther Cummings, his life partner of 45 years, Judie Beers; his son Brad Cummings and stepson Jeff Beers; his brother David Cummings and nephew Jason Cummings. He is also predeceased by many aunts, uncles and cousins. His memory, laughter and stories will live on in the hearts of all who had the honor to know him. He will never be forgotten!

Family and friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28th with a funeral service at 7:00 p.m. at Ross Funeral Home of Akron, LLC. We invite you to share your memories, stories, and photos of Daniel on his memorial page at rossakron.com. Any memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Buffalo. 

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