East Washington in Washington County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Nicholas Cumer
1993 - 2019
| | Compassionate, Loyal & Brave | |
Nicholas Cumer was born August 21, 1993, and spent his formative years in the Borough of East Washington, Pennsylvania.
His charismatic personality made him popular among his classmates, and his talents allowed him to shine. Among his diverse extracurricular activities, he was a member of the marching band for all four years of high school, rising to the position of Drum Major as a senior. He was also a skilled athlete who not only played on the tennis and basketball teams but who also holds the distinction of being the first male student to play on the girls' volleyball team. Outside of school, Nicholas attended Washington Alliance Church and performed volunteer work in the physical therapy department of Washington Hospital.
After graduating from Washington High School in 2012, Nicholas continued his education at Saint Francis University, where he played sousaphone in the marching band. Concentrating his studies in the medical field, he earned a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology and later a master's degree in cancer care. During the last ten weeks of his final year at Saint Francis, Nicholas was an intern with Maple Tree Cancer Center in Ohio.
With a true passion for helping others, Nicholas loved working with his clients at the Maple Tree Cancer Center. In turn, he was adored by his patients, his coworkers, and the administrators of the facility, so much so, he was offered a job to operate one of Maple Tree's new offices in the Pittsburgh region.
Just a few days prior to the conclusion of his internship, Nicholas and a few friends wanted to enjoy an evening out together. An occasion that was supposed to be a celebration of their friendship ended in unthinkable tragedy when a mass shooter attacked. Nicholas courageously gave his life by shielding two of his coworkers from open fire. They both survived as a powerful testament to how Nicholas was always willing to put others first.
Originally pubished by the Observer-Reporter on March 27, 2021
Erected by the Borough of East Washington, PA Dept of Community Affairs, Community Financing Authority, and Federal Community Development Block Grant Funds.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Heroes. A significant historical date for this entry is August 21, 1993.
Location. 40° 10.339′ N, 80° 14.022′ W. Marker is in East Washington, Pennsylvania, in Washington County. It is on Thayer Street west of Christman Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Marker is in Nicholas Cumer Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2 Hemlock Lane, Washington PA 15301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Pittsburgh. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 15 Thayer Street (within shouting distance of this marker); East Washington World War II Memorial (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); 50 South Wade Avenue (about 500 feet away); 52 South Wade Avenue (about 600 feet away); 49 South Wade Avenue (about 600 feet away); 51 South Wade Avenue (about 700 feet away); 443 East Beau Street (about 800 feet away); 346 East Beau Street (about 800 feet away).
Also see . . . Nicholas Cumer Park. (Submitted on March 13, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 13, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.


