Bernard Cummins

Resident of Danville Bernard Francis Cummins, born August 7, 1931 at Providence Hospital, Oakland, called to the Lord on December 4, 2021. Only son of Mary (Silverton, Colorado) and Bernard Cummins (County Mayo, Ireland), married 62 years to loving wife Myra, father of eight children; Bernard (Judy), John (Cathy), Daniel (Shelley), Kevin, Joseph, Brendan (passed away in 1998) and Michael Cummins and Kathleen (Jeff) Kragen. He was the adoring grandfather to fifteen grandchildren; (Kyle, Cassie, Claire, Patrick, Stephen, Lizzie, Sean, Tara, Jenny, Becky, Brendan, Aidan, Molly, Riley and Collin) and great-grandfather to two great-grandchildren; (Eleanor and Emma). Bernard was a devout Catholic and attended daily mass at St. Isidore parish for decades. As a youngster he grew up and attended grammar school in Rodeo, CA, followed by St. Mary’s High School in Berkeley, where Bernard developed his deep love of God through the example of the Christian Brothers. He served his country for four years on an LST during the Korean War in the 1950s. Bernard later went on to earn his undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s College, Moraga, followed by a law degree from University of San Francisco. Bernard had a private law practice that was located just blocks from the county courthouse in the City of Martinez. He loved the law and he remained inspired in his chosen profession for nearly sixty years, finally retiring at the age of eighty-eight. Over the years Bernard and Myra voyaged to many different countries, with the first and most interesting being a trip they took in search of relatives in County Mayo, Ireland. Thanksgiving and Christmas was his favorite time of year. On Thanksgiving he organized and played in his own self-described football game, The Barney Bowl. On Christmas Eve he enjoyed wearing the Santa suit for the grandchildren. Bernard was an avid sports fan, for both his kids’ teams and his favorite college teams; St. Mary’s and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. His greatest loyalty was to the Galloping Gaels and he and his wife and sons often attended football (not played for many years now) and basketball games at St. Mary’s College. He and his wife passed wonderful times together with cousins John Cummins and Mary McCarthy, and her husband Tom, as well as brothers-in -law Kenneth (Mary Jo) and Kevin Graunstadt. He went through life with a twinkle in his eye, bringing laughter and brightness to those who knew and loved him. He will be missed. In lieu of flowers please send donations in memory of Bernard F. Cummins, Class of 1949, to: Attention: Advancement Office. Saint Mary’s College High School. 1294 Albina Avenue. Berkeley, CA. 94706 or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 3 International Drive. Suite 200. Rye Brook, New York. 10573

Funeral Mass to take place on 12/20/2021 at 10:30 at St. Isidore Catholic Church. 440 La Gonda Way. Danville. CA. 94526. Reception to follow.

Barry Adler, 90, of San Francisco, passed away on November 18, 2021. Barry was born on January 23, 1931, to O. Theodore and Frances Adler in the Bronx, New York. After graduating from DeWitt Clinton High School in 1948, he went on to study chemistry and biology at University of Dubuque.

After graduation he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon his return he worked in the Paint and Coatings industry for over 30 years. Barry was passionate about giving back and mentoring and served in various positions at many industry societies. In 1960, he met Evelyn at a bridge game hosted by mutual friends and they were married six weeks later, going on to have three children, Libby, Wendy, and Adam.

Retiring after almost 40 years in the field, Barry had time to fully commit to volunteering for KQED and JFCS, two organizations he strongly supported. At KQED he was Chair of the Community Advisory Panel and Coordinator of Docent Activities. Barry and Evelyn were awarded the MetLife Foundation “Older Volunteers Enrich America” award, President Bush’s “Thousand Points of Light” award, and “The Fammy” from the Jewish Family and Children’s Service. He was also involved with Elderhostel. Barry and Evelyn acted both as hosts and participants, taking the opportunity to travel and learn. He had a generous soul and his jokes filled the room with laughter.

Barry was predeceased by his parents and his son, Adam. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; his children Libby Adler, Wendy AdlerMayes; and his grandchildren, Jordan, Claire, Garrett, and Capri.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to KQED or JFCS in his honor.