Blaine Cummings

Blaine Cummings died suddenly on September 10, 2025 in Bradenton, Florida.  A friend of Bill W, Blaine struggled with depression much of his life.  Blaine was a kind soul who met and befriended many others along his windy and rocky road to recovery.  His absence is sorely felt by his daughter, Julia, his family, and the many people whose lives he touched.  

Blaine grew up in the Berkshires in the 1960’s and 70’s.  He attended Catholic school and was an altar boy, serving early morning masses, much to the chagrin of his family.  Blaine was drawn to the outdoors and caught and kept the fishing and camping bugs from a young age.  He played baseball as a youth and developed a wicked fastball in Little League. His competitiveness extended to games of HORSE with his brother and friends throughout his teens. Blaine loved music and could be found at live music venues at an early age – an interest he held throughout his life.  Following high school, he moved with friends to California where he initially settled.  He was adept with is hands and was drawn to the building trades.  While in San Diego, he met his soul-mate, Stephanie Rodgers, and they had a beautiful daughter, Erika.  

When they eventually separated, Blaine decided to return to New England.  When he stopped to visit family in Ohio, serendipity brought Christine Bragg into his life.  They had much in common, eventually marrying and settling for a time in Akron.  Their daughter, Julia Bragg, was the apple of his eye. There were never enough hours in the day for Blaine to dote on her and to speak her praises.  

Blaine was a talented carpenter whose finish work reflected his many gifts.  He was particularly proud of stairway balusters that he hand-carved and fitted, an artistic skill that translated to carving walking sticks that became one of his signatures.  Blaine was never without a silly joke and his smile and laugh were infectious.  People of many walks were drawn to Blaine, and he to them.  

Blaine Alan Cummings was born on January 28, 1959 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the second of four children of the late Donald and Florence (Strojny) Cummings.  He was also predeceased by his sister, Kathleen Downey, in 2005.  Blaine is survived by his daughters, Erika Rodgers and Julia Bragg; brother, Brian Cummings (Kelly); sister, Susan Gregory; aunt, Donna Crawford (John); grandchildren Triston Ricketts and Audrey Ferin; niece, Danielle Downey; nephews, Aubrey Cummings and Kyle Gregory and many cousins.  

We wish to thank everyone, especially the family and staff, at Centerstone, for all their support and assistance during and following Mr. Cummings’ final days.

A celebration of the life of Blaine Cummings will be held at Coquina Beach in Bradenton, Florida on Sunday, October 5th at 3:00pm.   All are welcome to attend this informal, potluck gathering.  Please bring a dish to share, if you are able.

‍