"When I have a camera in my hand, I know no fear." Connor Cummings, passed away on Wednesday, December 30th. He was doing what he loved, taking photographs to share with the world. He was 20 years young and has left us broken hearted, but grateful for having had him bless our lives. Connor's spirit will live on forever in our hearts, our minds and in the images he's captured.

Please share your memories and photos with his family at www.normandean.com. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 6th at 10:30 am at St. Cecilia's Church, Rockaway. Entombment and prayers to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Friends, fans and relatives may visit on Tuesday, January 5th from 3-9 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Ave, Denville.

Graduating from Morris Knolls HS in 2014, Connor was excited for what the future held! He always had a smile on his face; one that could light up an arena. Speaking of arena, Connor was a huge Jets fan, a shared passion in the Cummings house. In the past few years, he developed a love for photography. In the fall of 2014, he headed off to UMASS, Amherst, where he has been studying psychology. He pledged with Alpha Sigma Phi and made friends quickly. Connor loved college. He was kind, caring and always able and willing to help anyone. He possessed an adventurous and silly spirit which will never leave us. Those who had the fortune of knowing him are better for it. Our hearts are heavy and we will keep Connor with us and always remember to "capture" life.

Predeceased by his paternal Grandparents Matthew and Flo Cummings and his maternal Grandma Joan Chnapko; he leaves only wonderful memories to his loving parents Matthew and Linda; adoring brothers Matthew III and Cody; Grandpa Joseph Chnapko; his Aunts and Uncles Katie Gentile (Arnold), Michelle Cox (Adam), Joey Chnapko (Melissa), David Chnapko (Harley), Robert Cummings (Colleen), John Cummings, James Cummings (Linda) and Maureen Charpentier (John); many admiring cousins; his loyal canines BJ and Roxy; and many more caring educators, brothers of Alpha Sigma Phi and dear friends and acquaintances. "Life is like a camera. Focus on what's important. Capture the good times. Develop from the negatives. Take another shot."

Published in Daily Record on
Jan. 3, 2016