WINTHROP – Rodney H. Cumber, 91, passed away at Maine Medical Center on June 21, 2025.
He was a devoted husband to Irene (Levensailer) Cumber with whom he shared 36 years of marriage, and he was predeceased by his first wife. Jeanette (Wheeler) Cumber with whom he shared 26 years of marriage.
He was born in Binghamton, N.Y., on March 25, 1934, to the late Harold and Marguerite (Hunt) Cumber. Rodney graduated from Port Dickenson High School in New York. Following high school, he went on to receive his associate degree in applied science from Alfred University
Rodney served with the United States Army and held the rank of SP3. He earned a Good Conduct Medal while serving as an equipment mechanic in Germany.
Rodney worked for Agway Corporation in Western New York for many years, eventually being transferred to Winthrop. When he was told he would be transferred back to New York, he said no way and Winthrop became his home. After his career with Agway, he became the service manager at Barrows Chevrolet for many years. Deciding he needed more fresh air and exercise he began a career at Winthrop Water District. He became superintendent and retired after 20-plus years. After his retirement from the water district, Rodney started his own business doing excavation work, bush hogging and rototilling for local people. He always enjoyed helping others and riding on his tractors.
Rodney was an active member of the community. He volunteered for the Good Shepard Food Bank and drove a bus for KVCAP. He served as a former captain in the Winthrop Fire Department. He was a member of the Winthrop Utilities Sanitary District Trustees and past president of the Wayne Snowmobile Club. He deeply enjoyed his time spent snowmobiling, hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada.
In addition to his loving wife Irene, Rodney is survived by his children, Lee Cumber of Monmouth and Guy Cumber and his wife Paula of Idaho; his three grandchildren, Brady Cumber, Laura Wheeler, and Benjamin Cumber; his three great-grandchildren, Samuel Wheeler, Johnathan Wheeler, and Lewis Cumber. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Bob Nichols and Kelly Sheets-Nichols of Skowhegan, and Vicki Laney of Madison; his step-grandchildren, Karie Hardy, Garrett Nichols, Holly Nichols, Nicole Sheets, Eric Nichols and Jill Trembley; as well as many nieces, nephews; and close friends.
Rodney was predeceased by his parents; and his son, Jay Cumber and stepson, Brent Nichols.
Rodney’s memorial service will be held on Saturday June 28, at 11 a.m. at the Winthrop United Methodist Church, 58 Main St., Winthrop. Interment with military honors will follow at Glenside Cemetery, Turkey Lane, Winthrop. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. A celebration of life will be held at the family home at 588 Old Lewiston Rd., Winthrop.
Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Roberts Funeral Home website, http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers, checks can be made payable to the Winthrop United Methodist Church for the
Jeanette Cumber Scholarship Fund.