Longtime Brunswick faculty member Eugene J. Cummiskey died on April 30 in Guilford, Conn., at the age of 91.
Cummiskey joined Brunswick’s faculty in 1966 and retired in 1997, after 31 years of service. During his long and distinguished tenure, he taught Upper School English, chaired the English Department, and also served as Director of College Placement.
“Gene was a longstanding and truly legendary member of our faculty,” Head of School Thomas W. Philip recalled. “He will be remembered fondly by generations of graduates and former Brunswick colleagues.”
After graduating from Harvard, in 1952, and attending Wharton School, he began his career in the insurance industry, working in New York City and subsequently for the family business in Portland, Maine. Prior to joining Brunswick’s faculty, he taught at Dublin School, in Dublin, N.H.
Upon the occasion of his retirement from Brunswick, the Class of 1997 yearbook was dedicated in his honor. The citation noted that he was a “voice of reason, advocate, and friend through thick and thin — a scholar, gentleman, and consummate teacher who imparts his wisdom with self-effacing humor.”
He moved to Guilford in 1997, becoming involved in town politics, serving on the Democratic Town Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Town Charter Revision Commissions. He was a member of the Harvard Club of New York City, Sachem’s Head Yacht Club, and the Clinton Country Club.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Bet” Cummiskey, of Guilford, Conn.; son, Christopher; and grandchildren, Olivia, Christopher Michael, and Vanessa Cummiskey, of Washington, D.C.
Funeral services will be private. The Hawley Lincoln Memorial of Guilford, Conn., is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Brunswick School, 100 Maher Avenue, Greenwich, Conn. 06830.