"Hey Coach, I miss you. Hope your resting in peace until God calls us all. I love you, Shannon Hopefully it won't be long."
In loving memory of
Thomas Joseph Burns
June 20, 1946 - July 22, 2008
Middletown, RI - Middletown High School Math Teacher and Retired Senior Msgt. Thomas Tom Joseph Burns, 62, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at Rhode Island Hospital, in Providence. He was the loving husband of Susanne Sue Allenby Burns. Married on July 20, 1968, in Redlands, California, they recently shared their 40th anniversary. He was the loving father of three daughters, Kelly, Liz, and Lindsey. Tom was born in Boston, MA on June 20, 1946; he was the son of the late Leo V.Burns and Kathleen Quinn Burns, and brother to Leo Burns Jr., Paul Burns, and Peter Burns. Growing up in both Dorchester and Canton, MA, Tom was surrounded by many cousins, grandparents, and relatives during his childhood. He spent much of his youth involved in sports. He participated in Little League Baseball, and especially loved CYO Ice Hockey. He also spent many days working as a caddy and in the pro-shop at the local golf course alongside his brothers. Tom attended Boston College High School, graduating in 1964. At age 18, he then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he began his 20 year military career allowing him to enjoy his love of travel and his commitment to serving his country. Tom served his country during the Vietnam War. One of his proudest moments was his participation in Operation Homecoming on March 16, 1973, bringing home American POWs from Hanoi. He was highly decorated during his military career; however his most notable award was the Meritorious Service Medal for risking his own life in order to rescue a fellow soldier from a burning building. Tom retired in 1984, at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. He enrolled in college at New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, with Departmental Honors in Social Science, in 1988. He began teaching math at Chaparral Jr. High and then Alamogordo High School, in Alamogordo, NM. Besides teaching Math, Tom was a well respected football, cross country, and track coach. Moving to Newport, RI in 2001, he continued his teaching and coaching career. Tom enjoyed the simple things in life, most of all spending time with his family. He enjoyed a good cup of coffee, a crossword puzzle, a Red Sox game, and a sunny day at the beach. In addition to his wife Sue, Tom leaves three loving daughters, Kelly and husband Davie Salas of Las Cruces, NM, Elizabeth and husband Jim Diesing of Portland, OR and Lindsey and husband Steven Montoya of Socorro, NM; five adoring grandchildren Sydney, Thomas, Kyle, Emma, and Megan; brothers Leo Burns, Jr. and wife Liz of Rome, NY, Paul Burns of Brownfield, ME and Peter Burns of Quincy, MA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who held a special place in his heart; and his Alamogordo and Middletown High School family and friends who shared his fun-loving spirit and were always there for him. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 28, 2008, at 9:00am, at St. Lucys Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown, RI. A reception will follow at the Parish Hall. Private burial will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tom Burns Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Bank of Newport, attn: Mary Beth Manuel, PO Box 450, Middletown, RI 02842, which will benefit graduating Middletown High School students.
Tributes
"I was recently informed about Mr.Burns passing. He was a great teacher to me in my years of high schoolclass of 03. He will be loved and missed in many heart's forever. Rest in peace Mr. Burns."
"Coach Burns- You were my second Dad. You taught so much about life and Running. My heart did hurt, and it hurts now. I love you and miss you. Thank You Coach!"
"I love you : s"
"To Tom's family: I was shocked and deeply saddened to recently learn of Tom's untimely passing. He was a decent, warm, compassionate man...a special human being. I can't even begin to imagine what an awful void he leaves for all of you."
"Yesterday was a month you've been physically gone. Miss and love you Coach. Your in my dreams :"
"I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Tom was an incredible friend to me and my wife, Elena when I moved to Alamogordo from Massachusetts. Tom immediately be-friended me and we shared many a laugh and many a memory of our beloved New England not to mention many a beer : Tom was a good man, a great friend, and a wonderful teacher. God bless."
"One of the greatest all around guys anyone could ever meet. On the field , off the field, and to the classroom. i have not met anyone more professional or proficant than Mr. Burns. He will be missed..."
"So sorry to hear about Mr. Burns' passing. He was a great guy and wonderful friend to my mom. thinking of all of you at this sad time. Joe Hicks"
"Dear Burns Family, Coach Burns was a great person and a true inspiration in my life. The lessons he taught me in the classroom and on the track will be with me forever. He taught me never to give up, to do my best at all times, and to be a leader. Coach really help me open my eyes and to truly seek the things that are important in life: a loving family and fulfilling career. Today, I am glad to say that I have both. I have a wonderful wife and an exceptional daughter. I am a high school math teacher who coaches cross country. I think his impact can be seen. He always knew the right thing to say at the right time to lift you up and help you succeed. I thank Coach Burns for all that he has done for me and anyone else he has touched. My thoughts and prayers I give to his family during these difficult times. He will be missed. We send our love, The Gigler Family"
"September 2001 Middletown was given a special gift â?? Mr. Thomas J. Burns. July 2008 our special gift was taken away from us. Middletown High School students for those seven years had the opportunity to meet a teacher who cared about them, not just about their academics but their sports, extracurricular activities and family life. A day would not go by that Mr. Burns would not be in the halls saying hello to students, encouraging them to do well, tell them what a good job they did in a game the night before or how well they performed at concert or play. The students at Middletown High School held the utmost respect for him and none of those students will ever forget what a wonderful person he was. The special gift given to many of us was the gift of Tomâ??s friendship. He was a kind and caring friend. He never wanted anyone to go out of their way for him but he was always there to listen and help anyone. Tom would always bring a smile to faces â?? in school and out. There was a certain aura about Tom that when he entered the room you knew it was going to be a great time. Even though our gift; our friend, was taken from us too soon we learned this from him: Live â?? Laugh â?? Love. We are all very sad and broken hearted on Tomâ??s passing but we will never forget him."
"After returning from vacation last Monday, I checked my school email, and was shocked to learn of Tom's passing. I worked with Tom at MHS for 3 years. I will never forget meeting him on my first day of work. He made me feel like I instantly belonged and took me under his wing. We shared a classroom together and he would always have me laughing during passing time. Tom was an amazing person and I am truly blessed to have known him. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and students. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten."
"I was saddened to hear of the loss of such and inspriational man. He was a wonderful person and an inspiration to me when I was in High School. I offer my best wishes and condolences to his family and all those who hold him dear."
"Tom was a wonderful man, and a most genorous, caring, thoughtful, encouraging man and coach to my children. Both of my daughters, Dawn and Shannon have only wonderful things to say about how he inspired them on their running and daily high school activities. When they speak, they always say "he is a good man". I feel priviledged to have know him. On a personal note, I went on several bus trips cross country/track and he was always smiling and funny, I had a blast with him! I will miss him!"
"To the Burns family; We are very deeply sad and sorry for the loss of Tom. He was a kind and caring man with a real heart for others, shown by his many years of faithful service to the community and his nation. He will truly be missed."
"Dear Liz, Jim and Burns Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Liz, your dad was an incredible man and I consider myself lucky to have had the chance to meet him. We are so sorry for your loss."
"Coach Burns was my math teacher senior year. He left a huge impact on my life. I nominated him several times for inspirational teacher through The Dean's List and Who's Who Among Students. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all who knew him. He was an amazing person."
"I only knew Coach Burns for a couple of years, through cross country, but I will always remember how layed back and smooth he was. He was a great coach with a big heart. I truely do miss him. Your family will be in my prayers. Emily"
"Mr. Burns, I remember walking into math class your first year teaching in Middletown. I was a senior and thought I could run circles around you...at first I did but then you grew a fondness for me and really understood me. You would tap on my desk so I could go and roam the hallways as long as I came back ready to listen and learn. The day you handed me my diploma will never be forgotten! Then when I graduated college and came back to visit Newport we discussed how I had become a teacher because of you over a beer at Easton's Point. Thanks for the valuable lessons."
"Dear Liz and family, I was taken back to hear of your fathers passing. You were just telling me the other day what an amazing time you had with your Dad and Mom on your vacation. I know how special he was to you. When we talk of our childhood, I know how special yours was by the way you spoke of your father. I know Kyle and Megan will miss their Grandpa. Reading through his life story put it into perspective how special he was. Know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please tell your Mom we will keep her in our daily thoughts."
"Please accept my condolences. He was a good man especially having to put up with kids like me in Alamogordo. I wish the best for the whole family."
"Mr. Burns was not just a great teacher, but a wonderful friend. He was not there just to teach academics, but to teach the ups and downs of life. Through his sense of humor and wild stories, he was always able to put a smile on everyone's face. Mr. Burns was someone that we held the utmost respect for, and anyone who knew him will never forget what a wonderful person he really was. God bless."
"Our prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Knowing he is in heaven is comforting. Love to you all. Justin and Kendra MarzitelliJim Diesing's niece and her husband"
"I recently lost my Father so I know that no words can help at this time. I knew Mr. Burns from the gym on the base, we would talk about life. He was a great man and I am deeply sorry for your loss."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sadness."
"Coach Burns was not only a great coach, but a great teacher, mentor, father figure to all he was around. Although rival to his school, he always look at you as his own. I thank the time that I got to know him and learn from him."
"To: The Burns Family Mr. Burns was a wonderful teacher and all the students at the high school loved and respected him. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. God Bless."
"To the Burns Family, The world lost an amazing man, a man who touched the lives of all he came in contact with. He was a wonderful coach, teacher, person. Thank you for sharing him with us all these years. My thoughts and prayers go out to you in this time of sorrow."
"To Mr. Burns' family: I am one of the many students Mr. Burns came in contact with during his years at MHS. Though I never had him for a class, I knew him well as the teacher that opened his doors for me and a small group of students that arrived early to school once a week to gather and pray together. I know that our group was a source of support to students when they needed it, and Mr. Burns was responsible for keeping us going. My prayers are with you now, as you try to find comfort in this sad time."
"Gosh right when I saw his picture I started crying. What a good looking man he is!! It's hard to believe he's passed on, but seeing his obituary.. makes it real. Its still hard to say. Coach your the man! Thank you for believing in me. You've done so much in your life and you have touched so many people. You made my high school years! I will NEVER forget you, you impacted my life in a HUGE way. I love you, Shannon To his special loving family, I'm so sorry for your loss! Gosh, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize besides his own name his brothers had christian names too. His mother must have been a spiritual woman! I know Coach is resting in heaven. Now he can watch over all of us."
"My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, Sorry to hear of your loss."
"To the Burns Family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Tom was an absolutely amazing person, who touched so many people. I worked with Tom for 4 years in the Middletown School system and I learned so much from him and he will surely be missed by all. As I heard from another teacher, If I could touch a few students the way he touched so many, then I would be a great teacher. This is so true. He really dedicated himself to those students. I am glad that I had the opportunity to work and learn from Tom Burns. My thoughts and wishes are with you. Sincerely, Allison Srubas"
"Kelly and Davie Salas: We send you our deepest sympathy for your loss. Your neighbors, Fred and Irma Radke"
"Lindsey and Family We are so sorry for your loss.You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Donald, Pam, Ashton, and Cadyn"
"I am a special education at MHS and I have worked with Tom for the last 5 years. I am sorry that I could not make the service today for I just returned from vacation late last night and heard the terrible news. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you for Tom was always kind and caring to not only myself but to every student he ever worked with. The school will not be the same without him. Becky"
"Dear Liz,Jim and the entire Burns family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Your Dad has touched so many lives. Love, Jay ,Jeanne,Connor,Kathleen,& Emma Diesing"
"My prayers and best wishes are with you all"
"I cant believe Coach is gone! I remember so many times coach gettin on me for not showing up to practice or for just being a typical teenage kid. He was such a great guy and always truly cared what was going on in my life. You will be miss Coach Burns. To the Burns family, I am truly sorry for your loss. You are in our familys prayers everyday and may god give you peace soon!"
"It has taken me awhile to post something. I wasnâ??t quite sure what to say...how do you put into words what someone means to you. Coach Burns was the one that got me to run Cross Country. I never had him as a teacher but he saw me in the halls. He was quite persistent and I agreed to come out for a practice. He was an awesome coach and the best I have ever had. He knew how to coach, he knew how to reach runners and how to push them just the right amount. Joseph told me that after his near fatal car accident coach Burns was the only member of the caching staff that came out to visit him. That was the kind of man he was, he truly cared for others. Lindsey you are my best friend and always will be. I canâ??t say I understand how you feel but just know that I am here for you in any way that you need me to be. Joseph and Dawn Hudson"
"Coach Burns was an amazing coach and he got me into running. I will never forget during my eighth grade summer, he tracked me down on his bike as I was running and asked if I wanted to run cross country. At first that sounded crazy, I just ran for fun but racing that was a different story. Well now running is a part of my everyday life with marathons, triathlons, and trail races. Coach Burns started me off with the love of running and believing in myself. He inspired me to do so many thing. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Coach Burns was such an inspiration to all."
"There are not enough words in the human language to describe the kind of man he was. He was the kind of person that would light up a room at the sight of his presence and then turn around and give you a stern talking to for a bad grade or a play you messed up on in sports. He was probably the most respected person in the school and the good lord must of needed something important for him to take this great person away from us. My condolences go out to the family and friends of Tom "Burnsy" Burns. R.I.P WE LOVE YOU"
"Dear Lindsey and family: We are sorry for the loss of your father. We always enjoyed the way he could warm a room with the sound of his voice or the laugh he would so generously share. Coach Burns meant a great deal to many people and was a man that people strive to model themselves after which is the biggest compliment and testiment anybody can hope to achieve. We love you, pray for you, and thank God we got the chance to know your dad. Mike, Marlene, Monique, and Levi"
"I was very sad when I heard the news about Coach Burns. I'm so glad I had the oppurtunity to know him. He touched a lot of lives in so many ways. To his family, I'm deeply sorry for yours and our loss."
"To Tom Burns' Family: We would like to extend to you our deepest sympathy on your recent loss. We only had the pleasure to meet Tom once at the home of Chris & Paula our daughter, who has deeply expressed many kind words about Tom and what a wonderful person he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time."
"To The Burns Family: Coach Burns was a great mentor and friend. He was truly a gift from God and will be deeply missed. My prayers are with his family."
"Who's going to tell us to "pick up our feet and drive our knees"? Who's going to be at the top of a hill yelling for us to attack it? Who's going to tell us "thumbs in your pockets and open your stride"? Coach, you're going to always be telling us that and so much more. It's those sayings and other wisdoms that have made so many of us you coached, taught, or were friends with part of who we were then and who we are today. Thank you for being in our lives and making a difference. To Coach Burns' Family, My deepest sorrow for your loss goes out to all of you."
"Lindsey, Gramma and I are saddened to know that Tom has passed. We were all praying for a miracle. His Miracle has happened, he is with his maker and Lord.. Our prayers are now with you and your family to give you strength to get through the next few days. Time heals. Tom was a wonderful person, husband, father and a loving grandfather. We love you."
"Kelly and Davie Salas: A special prayer from me for your family in this time. I hope you all find strength and comfort through each other."
"Kelly Salas and family, We are saddened by your loss and wish to express our deepest sympathies and condolences. We feel very fortunate to have met such a great man with an infectious smile. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time."
"Dear Sue and Family, I never knew Tom to be without a ready smile, a gruff chuckle, and a good joke, and I truly missed him when he left the high school. He cared deeply for his students and athletes, and he will be missed as much in RI as he is in NM. My prayers are with you all."
"To the Burns Family: We are very sorry for your loss. I had the honor to work with Tom at Alamogordo High School with the Cross Country team. He was an amazing man with the purest heart. I remember his smile and the incredible way he encouraged those kids. We will miss him dearly and hope that you find comfort in knowing that he left this world a better place for many. We were all lucky to know him and call him coach and friend. Our prayers are with you all."
"To the Burns Family a Poem I found by Jennifer Janiszewski: I Do Believe There is nothing i can do, to make him come back There are no words I can say, that can replace the words you long to hear There are no answer's I can give, that will satisfy your questions There is not another soul I can introduce you to that will ever replace his And, there is no love I can offer that will ever replace the love you shared I can not promise your broken heart will ever be complete I will not say it could have been worse I will not deny it was a tragedy I will not lie and tell you he will come back He never really left I do promise he hears you when you speak I will say he loves you no matter the distance I will not deny he is in a better place And, I will not lie; he is waiting to greet you someday He is every step you take He is in everything you do He is the air you breathe He is every beat of your heart " He is like the wind. You can not see him...but you will always feel him" Coach Burns was a wonderful person who will always be missed."
"Our thoughts and prayers, and those of Las Cruces, New Mexico Fire Department Engine Number 6 are with Mr. Burns family and friends. When one of ours hurts, we hurt also. God bless each and every one of you."
"To Tom's Family, I echo the sentiments sent in by so many others. Tom was a profound and positive presence--always ready with a smile or a helping hand. To say he will be missed is an understatement to be sure. We will not be the same without him but we will be better having known him. My family's thoughts and wishes are with you all. In friendship and sympathy, Samantha,Don, Oscar, and Edgar"
"To The Burns Family, We are deeply sorry for your loss. Coach Burns was a great person & teacher. We had the priviledge of meeting him through our daughter at the high school in Alamogordo. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. He will be sorely missed and always remembered."
"To the Burns Family, Coach Burns was a great mentor for me. I truly can not express how much of an impact he had in my life. I canâ??t thank him enough for the advice he gave nor will I ever forget it. Thank you Coach for everything that you have done, we owe you a lot. My prayers and sympathy go out to his family."
"To Tomâ??s family, My deepest condolences and sympathies. Tom was a tremendous advocate for children, a trustworthy friend, a model teacher and coach, a mentor. He will be missed more than I can find words for. I am fortunate and thankful to have been able to call him my friend. And there are thousands upon thousands of young men and women who walked through school hallways and across various playing fields who count themselves lucky to have been supported and guided by Tom. He saw the best in everyone and made certain to pause and help them see it in themselves. Daily, I and others at MHS witnessed his words of kindness, compassion and genuine interest in helping people. Mark Twain said that great people are those who can make others feel that they can become great. Tom was a great man in a world that desperately yearns for great people. My familyâ??s prayers are with your family. Chris, Kelly, Matthew, Nicole and Jessica"
"Burns' family, We are so heart broken to hear about the passing of Coach Burns. Our prayers and thoughts are with ya'll. He was an amazing man to anyone who had the priviledge to meet him. We loved him very much and will miss him a great deal."
"Dear Burns Family, In all of the years I ran for Coach Burns, I always knew that he cared more for my success as a person than my success in any single race. He was always encouraging, supportive, and just an all around wonderful person. My condolences and prayers are with your family."
"Lindsey and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your father accomplished much in his journey on Earth. I am happy his life experiences brought him to New Mexico, and you to our family. I am sorry for your loss. Paul"
"Dear Lindsey and family, We were sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Our prayers are with you as you try to cope with this loss. Theresa and Robert Alonzo"
"Would like to pay my condolences I know Jessica Newsom - he was her coach and she was so upset w/his passing. My deepest sympathy goes to his family."
"Even the most popular of teachers have at least one or two students with whom they don't get along, whether it be incompatible personalities or the students don't want to learn. However, Mr. Burns was different. I never met or heard of anyone who didn't like him. He will be sorely missed and always remembered. Rest in peace, Mr. Burns."
"Tom was a great guy and I will miss him very much. My sincerest condolences to his family."
""GOD himself will be with them and be their GOD. HE will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Tom touched so many lives especially ours. Our daily thoughts and prayers are with you, Sue, and your beautiful family. I keep thinking that Andy and Tom are together once again. The boys, Bob and I send all our love. God Bless...Helen, Bob, Steve, David and Richard"
"Dear Burns family on behalf of my family I would like to extend my deepest condolences and let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr.Burns was the epitomy of a teacher and friend to all of his students including me he made such an impact on my life Mr.Burns was truly an angel! God Bless you all... Know in this time of sorrow God is with you all the way be blessed."
"Dear Sue and Family, I am deeply sorry for your loss and my prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. As a Student of Mr. Burns I can say that his influence on me will be with me always, he always knew how to pick you up when you were down no matter what the cause of your problems may be. He was much more than a teacher, he was a mentor and treated us all like he would anyone he cared for. When our fellow classmates passed away his kind words, wisdom, and condolences made the hardest of times seem a little bit more hopeful. I hope that his spirit and the fond memories we hold of him help you through this difficult time. He will be deeply missed."
"Dear Lindsey and Family, I know that words cannot ease your pain, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are always with you. Losing your Dad is one of the biggest losses of life, and he will always be a part of your life, even in sorrow. Remember him and love him forever."
"Dear Lindsey and Family~ We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time."
"Dear Sue and family, You have been in our thoughts and prayers. Tom was a great guy and will deeply be missed. With love, Tom, MaryBeth, MaryKate, Patrick, and Liam Murphy"
"Dear Sue and Family Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom was a very kind and caring person and he will be truly missed. We are glad we had the opportunity to know him. Ralph, Lizzie, Patrick and Kara Hicks"