Sonarman Second Class

United States Navy

Francis Michael Cummings was born on May 31, 1936, in Newton, Mass.  He spent his early boyhood there, and was graduated from Wellesley High School in June 1954.

Francis enlisted in the Navy in July, and after completing his recruit training, he volunteered for submarine duty.  He was accepted for training, and entered the Navy's Submarine School at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, New London, Conn.  He completed the course and was graduated with the class of March 1955.  His first assignment was in the submarine U.S.S. Harder (SS 568), followed by a tour of duty in the U.S.S. Blenny (SS 324).  Francis
became qualified as a submariner while serving in the Harder on July 16, 1956.

Selected for sonar training, Francis attended the school at Key West, Fla., and at the Raytheon Co. in Burlington, Mass.  In May 1961, he reported for duty as a member of the crew of the nuclear-powered submarine U.S.S. Thresher (SSN 593).  During his naval service, Francis had been awarded the Navy's Good Conduct Medal.

He is survived by his widowed mother, Mrs. Helen C. Cummings; brothers, Thomas J., and Paul T.; sisters, Mrs. Mary Ellen Laak of Berkeley, Calif.; and Elizabeth A. Cummings of Wellesley, Mass.