Obituary of Arthur James Cumming, Jr.

Arthur James Cumming, Jr., Korean Veteran, retired salesman, and past President of Sons of Italy Woburn Lodge, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2021.  He recently turned 89 years old.  Arthur was one of five children born to Arthur and Ellen (McCarthy) Cumming.  He grew up and was educated in Charlestown and forever considered himself a “Townie.”  He served in the Army during the Korean War.  He held the rank of Corporal and was a medic in the 21^st Med Company.  He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and Korean Service Medal.  His working career was spent in the steel industry working his way up from the warehouse, learning every aspect of the steel-making process, to become outside sales rep for the northeast with Industrial Stainless Steel, A.B. Murray, and Jorgenson Steel. 

Arthur was a people person and a facilitator.  He was the type of person who easily made friends and acquaintances along the way.  Even though he was from Irish ancestry, he was intensely involved in the Woburn Sons of Italy.  He served as president and district deputy and was involved in many facets of the club.  He enjoyed fundraising socials and especially playing Santa at the children’s Christmas party for many years.  He also enjoyed bowling and bowled in many leagues over his lifetime and finally put away his bowling shoes at the age of 86.  He was an avid golfer and saltwater fisherman.  He was an ardent reader and had quite a diverse interest in genres from biography, history, mystery, to crime novels.  He traveled to Italy, England, Germany, and Switzerland over the years.  But his favorite destination was Disney World, which he visited 18 times.  He loved everything about it from the rides, shows, architecture, characters, and joy you felt walking through the parks and attractions.  His favorite was Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion, which had to be done as close to midnight was possible!  His grandchildren even referred to his van as the “monorail.”  He had a great sense of humor and was an exceptional storyteller.  In his younger days he was the life of the party and quite the dancer.  In his later years, he enjoyed time spent with his family and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Arthur was the beloved husband of Annamarie (Capobianco).  He was the loving father of Susan Roussopoulos and her partner John Henk of West Yarmouth, Leslie Hannon and her husband Charlie of Billerica, Stephen Cumming and his wife Melanie Rose of West Dennis, Richard Capobianco and his wife Melissa of South Yarmouth.  Father-in-law of the late Susan Cumming.  Proud grandfather of Charles and Alexander Roussopoulos, Jennifer Powderly, C.T. Hannon, Catelyn Danehy, Tammy Hannon, Julianne, Erika, and Anthony Capobianco.  Great grandfather to Lincoln Roussopoulos, Tucker and Annamarie Powderly, Frankie Hannon, Jonah, Jacob, and Shane Arsenault, and Emma Capobianco.  Brother of Claire Manco of Florida, Shirley Doris and Ellen D’Ambrosio of Charlestown, and the late Gordon Cumming.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, BURLINGTON on Wednesday, January 5^th from 10 – 11:30 a.m.  Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Barbara’s Church, 138 Cambridge Road, Woburn at noon www.woburncatholic.org  Burial to follow in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Arthur’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org or the charity of your choice.