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Kurt J. Cummings

Kurt James Cummings, 43, of Lakewood Ranch, Fla.., passed away Dec. 4, 2020, after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Kurt was born April 26, 1977, to Stephen Cummings and Patty Lindblom Crist in Jamestown, N.Y.

After graduating from Maple Grove High School in 1995, he went on to study elementary education at Roberts Wesleyan College where he received a scholarship to play college basketball. He later received his master’s degree in special education from Mercyhurst College.

After graduation, he was excited that his first job was as a fifth-grade teacher at his Alma Mater, Bemus Point. He was proud that he was also able to coach high school varsity basketball at the same school he played for where he and his team won the State Championship in 1995. His jersey, number 43, has since been retired at the school after being named D2 Player of the Year. After moving to Florida in 2003, he was a special education teacher and physical education teacher at Alta Vista Elementary School and Sarasota Suncoast Academy Middle School.

In 1998, he met Diane (D’Angelo), and they married in 2001 and lived in Jamestown, N.Y., until they moved to Lakewood Ranch, Fla., in 2003. It is there that they made their home, going on to have two children: James and Jaxon. Kurt’s family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned.

Kurt was passionate about supporting his sons in their love of baseball. He could often be found on the field or on the sidelines cheering them on. They have always both honored him by wearing the number 43 on their baseball jersey. He loved coaching various basketball and baseball teams over the years. Kurt’s smile and heart were as big as he was.

Anyone who knew Kurt knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for.

He is survived by his wife, Diane D’Angelo Cummings; his two children: James and Jaxon Cummings; his mother, Patty Crist; his father and stepmother, Stephen and Sara Cummings; his brother, Kevin (Kesha) Cummings; his inlaws, Samuel and Donna D’Angelo; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Kurt also considered his friends as family, most notably recently to include his baseball family and his Suncoast Academy family.

Kurt was predeceased by his stepfather, J. Douglas Crist; his paternal grandparents, James and Virginia Cummings; and his maternal grandparents James and Betty Lindblom.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and Kurt’s wishes a viewing or service will not be held. In order to have his memory live on for his family and those who love him, an online memorial has been set up. We all know that Kurt loved to tell a good story and always had a joke or anecdote to share. We are asking that you share your stories, anecdotes and/or pictures to: https://www. kudoboard.com/boards/ AkOY4c0E to honor Kurt’s legacy.

It was Kurt’s wish, that any memorial contributions be made to a youth sports program of your choice in his name or to Sarasota Suncoast Academy Middle School Sports Programs, 8084 Hawkins Road, Sarasota, FL 34241.