Christopher Joseph Cummins died in the wee morning hours Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Mercy House of Chambersburg.
He was born in Peekskill, NY, on June 28, 1958, the son of the late Melvin L. Cummins and the late Louisa M. (Mastrachio) Cummins.
As an infant, Chris or “CJ” moved with his parents to his father’s hometown, Waynesboro, PA, where he would reside for the rest of his life.
A member of St. Andrews Catholic Church, Chris attended St. Andrews Catholic School before moving on to East Junior High and later graduating from Waynesboro Area Senior High with the class of 1976. He was a member of Waynesboro’s Troop 19 of the Boy Scouts of America.
After graduation, Chris began his career as a printer. Working at Arnold’s Graphics in Hagerstown before opening CJ’s Printing in Waynesboro. He purchased the Printer’s Press in Hagerstown and operated the business for several years. For the past 10 years, he was employed as a Press Operator at Navator in Waynesboro.
In addition to his skills as a printer, Chris was an artisan working with wood. He was an avid reader who amassed an impressive collection of books. His interest in trains led to a collection of model trains to accompany his coin and stamp collections. He found enjoyment hiking in the nearby woods or shooting a game of pool; fly fishing was one of his most favorite pastimes, and he was an ardent New York Yankees fan. But music was his passion. Chris played guitar and fiddled around with several other instruments. He acquired a substantial collection of recorded music and attended many live performances, including 28 shows of the Allman Brothers Band.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Steven P. Cummins. He was the last of his immediate family.
He is survived by his ex-wife, Debbie Cummins of Greencastle, very close friend and co-worker Jessica Shipman of Amberson, PA (both of whom helped provide care for Chris), and his best friend since childhood, Chuck Breininger of Waynesboro. He is also survived by several cousins.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m.., Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Burns Hill Cemetery, Waynesboro, with Rev. Christopher Onyeneke MSSCC officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew Catholic Church, 12 N. Broad St. Waynesboro, PA or to the Mercy House, 730 Norland Ave. Chambersburg, PA 17201.
Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro, is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at the funeral home’s website.
