Nicholas Cumer was born in Reading Pa, but moved to East Washington, with his family when he was just three years old. He spent many hours playing in this park as a child.

He attended elementary school at Central Christian Academy and went to Wash High for his high school years. While at Wash High he was an honor student and a member of the marching and concert bands for all four years of high school. He attained the position of Drum Major in his senior year. He also played on the tennis and volleyball teams. In addition to his studies, he volunteered at the Washington Hospital and worked in the Physical Therapy Dept as he prepared for his future in his chosen field. After high school, Nicholas continued his education at Saint Francis University where he earned a BS degree in Exercise Physiology and a Master’s degree in Cancer Care Exercise Oncology.

Nicholas was a caring and generous young man who always put others before himself. He was genuine in his concern for others which made him popular with his peers, adored by his patients, and liked and respected by everyone who knew him.

On August 4th, 2019, Nicholas was fatally shot by a mass shooter in Dayton, Ohio, just days before finishing his internship at Maple Tree Cancer Rehab Center. He died as he lived, selflessly thinking of others and putting himself in harm’s way to protect two of his friends, both of whom survived.

It is a great honor for us, his parents, to have this park named after and dedicated to Nicholas for the life he lived. We hope his story inspires other children to excel and live the best life they can.

Ron & Vicki Cumer 
Parents of Nicholas Cumer