News Summary
Owen James Cummings, a 91-year-old respected legal practitioner and community figure, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and service. Known for his contributions to Redford Township, his innovative legal practices and generous spirit profoundly impacted the community. He is survived by his wife and six children, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
Northville Township, Michigan – Owen James Cummings, a respected legal practitioner and community figure, passed away on June 24th, 2025, at the age of 91. His legacy lives on through his family and significant contributions to the community he served faithfully throughout his life.
Cummings was born on November 30, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan, to Aileen and Patrick Cummings and was the middle child of five brothers. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, he maintained a strong connection to his family and friends, which remained a cornerstone of his life.
After completing his education at Divine Heart Seminary in Donaldson, Indiana, Cummings served six months in the Army before starting his career. He met Ruth Alice Riley at St. Mary’s Church, where they were active members of the Mary Mixers community. They married in 1957, settled in Redford Township, and raised six children together, fostering a loving and nurturing household.
Early in his career, Cummings worked as a small parts designer at Burroughs. His innovative contributions included the invention of two machines, one of which—a check sorting machine—remains in use today. Burroughs recognized his potential and offered him financial support to attend law school, which he accepted while balancing full-time work. Cummings attended the Detroit College of Law, emphasizing discipline and dedication during his studies.
After a brief stint at AAA, Cummings established his own legal practice, earning a reputation for integrity, honesty, and community-oriented service. His firm, Cummings, McClory, Davis, and Acho (CMDA), began from humble beginnings on Five Mile Road and expanded into a prominent building overlooking I-96, serving the community for over 50 years.
A dedicated public servant, Cummings was involved in various capacities in Redford Township, including serving as park commissioner, trustee, and ultimately, Township Attorney. He led efforts to create a cooperative insurance pool to help small municipalities manage rising liability insurance costs, collaborating with Lloyds of London to achieve this goal.
Throughout his career, Cummings volunteered his legal knowledge to a wide range of nonprofits, charities, churches, and community organizations. Many clients contributed services in lieu of payment, reflecting his commitment to community service. His reputation for treating individuals with kindness and respect fostered good will and trust, proving beneficial in resolving many community issues.
Despite his professional commitments, Cummings placed family at the forefront of his life. He was actively involved in coaching little league teams, attending Boy Scout trips, and participating in family vacations. He shared a love for music, often playing the piano and engaging with loved ones, even in his later years.
In addition to his wife Ruth, Owen James Cummings is survived by his six children: Mary Anne, Michael (Maricel), Patrick (Dale), Diane (Mark), Steven (Kim), and Rachel (Scott). His legacy extends to ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Leo, Murphy, and Quinn. Cummings was predeceased by his parents, four brothers, and a granddaughter, Riley.
Owen Cummings’s remarkable character and countless contributions have made him a beloved figure in Northville and the surrounding communities. He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the Adrian Dominican Sisters, honoring a life dedicated to service and community.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Owen Cummings Obituary
- MLive: Helen Berends Obituary
- York Daily Record: List of Abusive Priests
- Google Search: Owen Cummings Obituary
- Wikipedia: Northville Township, Michigan
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
