Gerald Cummins, a respected political consultant who was a campaign adviser to John F. Kennedy in 1960 and ran Hugh Carey's successful gubernatorial campaign in 1974, inherited his passion for politics from his father and grandfather, the latter of whom had been a writer for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
In addition to his work with President Kennedy and Governor Carey, Jerry Cummins, as he was known, was also a close adviser to Robert Kennedy's presidential campaign in 1968. He served as chairman of the New York State Thruway Authority for many years beginning in 1975, appointed by Governor Carey.
Mr. Cummins died at home in East Hampton on Jan. 11. He was 94.
Besides politics, Mr. Cummins loved the New York Giants, horse racing, and betting the over in any game. He had friends from all walks of life, "both the famous and unsung," his family wrote. "He gave his friendship freely, because unconditional love was his driving force."
He was born in New York City on Oct. 6, 1926, the youngest of four children of Richard Cummins and the former Geraldine McGuiness. He grew up in New York City and graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and, later, Manhattan College.
Mr. Cummins enlisted in the United States Navy in September 1944 and served overseas during World War II. He was honorably discharged after the war and was awarded the Victory Medal, the American Theater Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.
In June of 1954, he married Mary Mann, whom he adored for 66 years, his family said. Dickie Cummins, as she is known, survives.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Cummins leaves seven children. They are Gerald Cummins Jr. of Pawling, N.Y., Cara Smyth of Fort Salonga, Thomas Cummins of Summit, N.J., Deirdre Copjec of Long Island City, Laura O'Reilly of East Hampton, David Cummins of Cranford, N.J., and Amanda Cummins of Salt Lake City. He also leaves 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His three siblings died before him.
A funeral Mass was said on Friday at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and Mr. Cummins was buried with military honors at the church's cemetery on Cedar Street.
"In the absence of tears, please sing your best rendition of 'Sentimental Journey,' safe in the knowledge that he can no longer upstage you," his family wrote, also suggesting memorial donations to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, online at pdjf.org.
