Burnett "Barney" B. Cummings,

ATHOL - Burnett  (Barney) B. Cummings, Sr.,, 94 or 59 Lenox Street, Athol, died  April 11, 2015.  He was born in Manchester, CT, the son of Burnett W. and Hattie Cummings.  Barney grew up on a dairy farm.  He graduated from Manchester High School before joining the Marine Corps in 1941 serving on Bouganville in the Pacific.  After discharge he graduated from UCONN and became a shepherd of sheep in CT and Nevada.  He returned home to be closer to his two children, April Purpora of NJ and Christopher Cummings of FL. In 1955 he met Beth Gibbs in Norwich, CT and struck up a correspondence with her that led to marriage in 1956.  Shortly thereafter, she encouraged him to answer an advertisement in the Boston Globe for an Athol Daily News sports reporter.  He was hired on the spot, and six months later he became Managing Editor until age 88 when he fell down six years ago at the office having lost his sight and hearing.  His mind was sharp to the very end. Barney wore many hats.  He loved to sing, playing the role of Mr. Interlocutor in many minstrel shows.   He loved animals, owning horses, dogs, cats and sheep, chickens and roosters.  He was a lifetime fan of UCONN sports, having played basketball while there in college.  He was a member of the Marine Corps League Pequoig Detachment 1168 and a die hard Yankee Fan. He is predeceased by his first wife, Sally Waterman of CT, his sister Arlene McCaw and Edward Cummings of CT, an infant son, Robert, of Orange, son in law Robert Purpora and grandson Josh Purpora of CT. He leaves his wife of 59 years, Beth, of Athol, his daughters, E. Starr Cummings of Athol, Stacey A. Cupka and her husband Robert Cupka of North Andover, Cynthia C. Hager and husband Kent Hager of Athol, and Barney B. Cummings, Jr., of Orange, April Purpora of NJ, Christopher Cummings of FL, grandchildren Rozlyn S. Cummings of Petersham, Jeffrey and Robbie Cupka of North Andover, Greg, Donald and Beth Hager of Athol, Bob Purpora and family of CT, Amy Bellavia and family of NJ, Matthew Purpora and family of CT, brother Ted Cummings of CT and brother in law Denison N. Gibbs and wife Margot of CT and sister in law Trina R. Noyes of VT.  He also leaves several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  Sheeba and Little Lady will miss him greatly. A funeral service will be held Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 11 a.m. in the Massachusetts Memorial Veterans Cemtery 111 Glenallen St., Winchendon, MA.  There are no calling hours. Barney's family invite you to the Athol American Legion to share a story, memory, and some minstrel music following his service. Barney’s presence leaves a huge void in the life of his family and friends.  Anyone wishing to donate, please think of contacting the Animal Shelter in Petersham, c/o Debra Bacharach, 978-724-3384 or the Athol Animal Shelter in Athol, 978249-3232. To send an online condolence please visit www.fiskemurphymack.com. Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home 110 New Athol Road, Orange is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });