NISKAYUNA: Edward J. Cummings, Jr., 84, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Glendale Nursing Home.    Ed was born in Schenectady, New York on March 4, 1942 to Edward J. Cummings, Sr. and Helen Cadieux Cummings. He graduated from Linton High School in 1960 and from SUNY-Albany in 1965 with a BA in history/political science. In1968, he graduated cum laude from Albany Law School where his academic awards included the Cardozo Prize for excellence in legal writing and the Dennis Prize for the highest average in Torts. He was a member of the Justinian Society and the associate editor of the Albany Law Review.

While still in college, Ed met his future wife Mary on a blind date. They married in June of 1969 and, shortly after, purchased their first home in Schenectady.

After graduation, Ed was retained by General Electric as an attorney to deal with government contracts and various legal issues. He was promoted to counsel for the Turbine Generator Division. During this time, he received the company's Managerial Award.  After seven years of corporate life, he entered private practice and was named Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Schenectady. A year later, he returned to GE as Counsel for Schenectady Relations Operations. After serving as Counsel in four divisions, he was named Division Counsel for Gas Turbine in Schenectady. In that position, he traveled worldwide and was part of the initial negotiating teams in Asia and the Middle East. Throughout his career, Ed was fortunate to work alongside highly professional and knowledgeable people.

Ed enjoyed reading, often three books at a time. He was a big fan of the Mets, the Giants, and the Knicks. He played fantasy baseball and football and usually took top honors, but the sport he loved the most was weightlifting. He was introduced to this sport as a teenager by the former Chief of Police of Schenectady, Joseph Peters. He faithfully lifted since then at least three times a week. He successfully competed as a 148-pound contestant in various meets.

Ed kept a boat at Great Sacandaga Lake where he and his family spent many happy hours on the lake, boating, water-skiing, and picnicking on Sand Island. He enjoyed their summer home in Brewster, Massachusetts. He instantly relaxed after crossing the bridge to the Cape. Their Brewster home became a relaxing gathering place where he and Mary could enjoy spending time with their children, grandchildren, and friends. They both liked going to the Cape Cod league's baseball games, especially those of the Brewster Whitecaps, the local church, the Brewster Ladies' Library, and the beautiful beach in the Bay.

Ed volunteered in matters related to law, and he always looked forward to judging the Moot Court competitions at Albany Law School. He was a member of St. Kateri's parish and served on the parish council.

Ed leaves behind his wife Mary to whom he was married for 57 years, his beloved sons, Edward and Patrick, his wonderful daughters-in-law, Alicia and Laurie, and four fantastic grandchildren: Mary Jean, Kevin, Madelyn, and Dylan, all of whom he was extremely proud. He was predeceased by his equally beloved middle son John. He is also survived by his brother, Dr.  Michael Cummings, and sister-in-law Christine and their four children: Michael, Joseph, Mary Beth and Kathleen; as well as his sister-in–law Susan Luccini and his brother-in-law Ezio.

Ed was also fortunate in having had many lifelong friends: Joe Peters from his high school days and Barry, Frank, and Jan from his law school class of 1968.

He will be remembered for his love of his family and his dedication to it as well as his strong work ethic. He was a man of great faith and generosity.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated, Friday, July 10, 2026 at 10 a.m. at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 2216 Rosa Road, Schenectady. There will be no calling hours. Entombment will be at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna, following the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, 2216 Rosa Road, Schenectady, NY 12309 or Bethesda House, 834 State St., Schenectady, NY 12307. Condolence messages may be left at www.gleasonfuneralhomeinc.com