Richard D. Cumberland

Richard D. Cumberland, age 93, of Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina, died Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House. 

Private burial services will be held at a later date at the Ashland Cemetery in Ashland, Ohio. 

Dick was born September 7, 1931, in Huron County, Ohio, to the late Harold E. and Virginia D. Cumberland. He attended Ashland High School and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree from the Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and a Master’s Degree in Administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

His career in school administration began as Superintendent of Gambier, Ohio Local Schools, and continued with Principalships in Licking County Schools, Pataskala, Ohio, and Onslow County Schools in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Dick’s passion was his music. He began taking piano lessons when he was 6 and played professionally at 12. As a child, he often played with his father’s band. The Dick Cumberland Trio has performed in many clubs and functions in Ohio, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. He was inducted into the Columbus, Ohio Senior Musicians Hall of Fame in 2004.

Dick was a volunteer guide at Fort Macon State Park, The Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, and a member of the Country Club of the Crystal Coast where he played the piano for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; sons, Miles Cumberland (Debbie) and Jeff Cumberland (Mary) of Ohio; stepson, Rusty Meyers (Cindy) of Pine Knoll Shores, NC; stepdaughter, Mary Malhiot (Lynn) of Grassy Creek, NC; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his daughter, Kelly Sue, of Ohio.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Crystal Coast Hospice House, P.O. Box 640, Newport, NC 28570. 

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory, Morehead City, N.C.