Bob Cummins

Bob Cummins was an Irishman, from the moment he was born, on St. Patrick's day, in Boston. Shenanigans began when, according tradition, Bob's father took him to the neighborhood Catholic church to be christened. The name his mother had chosen, which was Patrick, was only mentioned in passing. He left the church as Robert Joseph “Patrick” Cummins, Jr. Bob was the oldest of three sons. His parents divorced when he was young. Though he resided with his mother, his affection was for his father. As the two younger brothers remained close to their mother, Bob spent quality time with his father, and his Aunt Rita and her husband, Herb. His father later remarried, beginning a second family, when Bob was about 10. Bob attended Catholic school for his elementary classes, and attended Thompson Academy for high school. Bob often spoke of Thompson Academy and the many lessons learned, and adventures while attending there. After graduation, Bob married a lovely Polish girl, Diane Kobus. In January, 1969, the draft was a concern for many young men. Rather than waiting and taking his chances, which was never Bob's way of doing things, he enlisted in the Air Force. Bob was stationed at MacDill AFB, in Tampa FL. He was honorably discharged May, 1972 as a Staff Sargent, Accounting Clerk. Once discharged, Bob saw no reason to return to Boston. He'd often comment about the time he called home on Christmas day. It was snowing in Boston. As he told it, “There I was in Tampa, sitting by the pool, drinking a beer. Why would I want to return to Boston?” He never found a good reason to leave.Bob and Diane later divorced. They had no children. Have you heard the expression, “ He could sell ice cubes to Eskimos”? Bob was one of those salesmen. He sold payroll systems, computers, wines and more. He worked in the field of computers. Never to be a person who was stuck in a dead-end job, Bob embraced his responsibilities. Watching the evening news, 60 Minutes, or On the Road With Charles Karalt, Bob would often comment that he'd visited this little town, or met and had lunch with the mayor of that city. Like most businessmen, Bob had his own business cards. They read, “Let's Do Lunch”, printed in green, with a shamrock in the corner. One year Bob worked as a Census Taker. He really enjoyed the work for its unexpected diversity. He met all types of people. He commented about the poorest of the poor and their deplorable living conditions. In the Bayshore area, some of the houses were celebrities themselves, with rich, old histories. In downtown Tampa, he was stopped by the local police, who asked him if he was “packing”. He responded that he wasn't. He was told to move along as he wasn't safe there. Focusing on finding a job that paid well, Bob began working for the US Postal Service about 1991, and retired in 2013. He worked many different positions, at various locations. His final position was as a TME clerk, on the loading docks at the “Big House”, the Tampa Airport Main Office. This final location was the best and the most-unpleasant. Being outside allowed him to work by himself, enjoy the fair weather and feed the birds. When the weather changed, however, it was hotter or colder than working inside. He was always exposed to the exhaust and pollution of working in that environment. Bob met Kathy Herbert while they were volunteering at a fund raiser at WEDU, the local Public Television station. They continued to work together at various auctions. They were married on August 8, 1988. Bob wanted to make their wedding memorable. He thought of renting a bus and filling it with all their friends. The couple were married on a sailboat in Bahia Bay. There were eight guests, and the ceremony was supposed to last eight minutes, beginning at eight o'clock. When things began to go too smoothly, he pretended he'd lost the ring. A search ensued, the missing treasure was located, and the ceremony proceeded as planned. Bob also volunteered for Tampa Bay's Second Harvest. He'd collect food donations from donors and deliver them to the needy. He volunteered as an official greeter for the Super Bowl in Tampa. His greatest love was his time as a docent at the Lowry Park Zoo. He visited Boy Scout Troops and lectured about the zoo and it's animals. He gave demon- strations at the alligator feedings. He especially liked the fear factor when he'd handle snakes. He'd let them move into his hat as if totally unaware of the snakes antics. The parents would grimace. The children would shout and wave, trying to warn Bob about the snake. He would act totally oblivious. He loved the animals and the children. He enjoyed visiting local parks and nature walks to observe the birds. Hommosassa Springs and Crystal River were favorite locations for manatee viewing. Bob was a man of many faces and personalities. He could change his entire demeanor from a spunky child to a lordly Englishman. He tried his hand at acting. His elbow had a small part in Second Noah, a short lived series about a Busch Gardens vet and her family. His role was that of a doctor. He had a t-shirt made and revitalized that old TV catch phrase, “I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV.” He met James Earl Jones. When asked if he could show them a mosey. He replied, “Sir, I work for the Post Office. I can give you mosey all day.” That brought a chuckle. There was also an inner child that never grew up. Like Red Skelton's Mean Little Kid character, Bob had his own little alter-ego. His name was Trebor. When Bob got that look in his eyes, you knew he was up to trouble. He had a wicked sense of humor and a vicious tongue. He was king of the one-liners. Sports, my goodness, how Bob loved sports. All the Boston teams; the Red Sox, Celtics, the Bruins, and Patriots. During his few visits to Boston, Bob would go to Fenway and cheer for the Sox. He also enjoyed watching auto racing. He'd visit the East Bay Raceway, and Sunshine Speedway for school bus demolition derby. Both were loud and dusty, but oh, what a thrill. He supported the Seminoles, Lightening and enjoyed arena football. He coached Little League baseball, multiple men's and co-ed softball teams. His MacDill AFB JCSE team was in contention for first or second place in the city's tournaments when the men were called to their military commitments. Bob was an intelligent man with a quick wit. He care about others, especially those he met at dialysis and multiple doctor's offices. He had many friends who enjoyed his company. He was extremely civic minded and aware of things that were happening in the city. He had compassion for creatures of all kinds, and saw to their well being. His passing has left a void.