LAS VEGAS – Rodney Alan Cummings of Auburn and Venice, Fla., passed away peacefully on Nov. 19, 2023, with Charlene, his wife, by his side.

Rod was born in Bangor, on Oct. 10, 1950, son of Charles (Pud) and Melissa (Mim) Cummings. He grew up on Windy Ridge Farm in LaGrange, and attended Old Town High School where he was a three-sport athlete graduating in 1968. After two years at the University of Maine, he found his lifelong calling; the concrete industry.

Rod was a highly motivated business owner whose unmatched work ethic and keen business sense resulted in several thriving ventures. During the winter of 1971 he personally constructed a set of concrete foundation panels in his parent’s basement. In April 1972 he founded R.A. Cummings, Inc. in Alton. He started as a foundation contractor with a $2,500 loan from his parents that was repaid over time with interest to purchase a pickup and the materials necessary to construct the forms. In 1982 he transitioned into a ready-mix concrete and aggregate enterprise serving the greater Bangor area community until the mid-90s. Rod briefly considered retirement but wound up instead, building a concrete plant in his home away from home, Greenville, ME. In 1998 he was joined by his daughter Lori in starting Auburn Concrete. The “Never say NO!” mantra was well received and flooded the small company with requests for service. Soon they were ready to expand to southern Maine. Rod’s son, Joel joined them in 2001, built and took over operations of their second location in Westbrook. Auburn Concrete soon became the largest producer of ready-mix concrete in Maine. In 2016, Rod bought the Christian Hill Quarry and began operations as Auburn Aggregates to supply the nine concrete plants as well as outside sales.

Rod was actively involved in Composite Lodge #168 in LaGrange, being a member and past master.

He also enjoyed his time at Moosehead Lake in Greenville, after being introduced to the area by his college roommate. While there you would often find him at a local watering hole, around a fire pit, boating and spending time with family and friends. He spent the last couple of winters in Venice, Fla., making new friends and spending time with old friends that also started to “snowbird” in the Sunshine State. All that said, Rod would rather be in the D8 on the backside of the quarry on a Sunday afternoon than just about anywhere else.

He is survived by his loving wife Charlene, one sister Peg and husband Darrell Luce of Alton, one brother Doug and wife Lori of Bowerbank, as well as the mother of his children and lifelong friend, Harriet Cummings of Auburn. He is also survived by his immediate family of whom he was extremely proud, son Joel and wife Michelle of Auburn and his daughter Lori Anne and husband David Gile of North Monmouth; his two granddaughters, Kayla and husband Greg Caldwell and Jordan. He was especially proud of his great granddaughter Makenna Ann Caldwell. Additionally, he is survived by his second family, Charlene’s three children; son Jeff and his wife Ann Poulin, son Jason Poulin and daughter Ingrid and her partner Vonya. Along with Charlene’s grandchildren, Walker, Brighton, and Phoenix. Lastly, he is survived by countless friends, business associates and employees both past and present that he left an indelible mark upon. He was predeceased by his parents, Pud and Melissa Cummings of LaGrange.

A time of visitation will be celebrated on Saturday December 2, from 2-4 p.m., followed by Words of Remembrance beginning at 5 p.m., at The Fortin Group Funeral Home, 217 Turner St, AUBURN.

The family invites you to where your Buffalo Plaid clothing on Saturday to remember Rod who could usually be found wearing these colors.

You may offer your condolences or share your many memories of Rod with the family at http://www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Rod Cummings Scholarship Fund, c/0 Androscoggin Bank, 683 Minot Ave, Auburn ME 04210. This scholarship will be dedicated to those students looking to pursue a career in truck driving or construction trades.

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