"To Barbara and her family,Memories of your Dad describe a wonderful man who was very loved and much admired. We send our sincere condolences. Ellen & Bill Hunt"
Middletown, RI - William "Bill" P. Burns, 87, of Middletown, died Friday, April 25, 2014 at Newport Hospital Newport, RI surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Constance "Connie" (DaPonte) Burns. Born in Newport, RI on November 10, 1926, he was the son of the late Patrick and Jane (Ring) Burns. Bill grew up in the Fifth Ward, playing at Aquidneck Park with his childhood home on Bowery Street. A graduate of Roger's High School, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on the Cruiser Spokane, during World War II, as a Gunner's Mate. Bill later joined the U.S. Army, serving as an Artillery Instructor at Fort Bliss, Texas, and then as the NCO in charge of a unit of Half Tracks, equipped with quad .50 caliber powered turrets, in Korea with the26th AAA (AW), a sub unit of the 24 infantry Division. While serving on the battle front in a direct infantry support fire mission, Bill was wounded by enemy mortar fire and was awarded the Purple Heart. After his military service he worked for the US Postal Service in Newport, where he retired. He also served as Past-President of the Newport Carriers Union. He was also a licensed carpenter, and a member of the Carpenters Union. Bill was a member and past president of the VFW, previously an active volunteer with the James L. Maher Center and the Special Olympics. Whenever the opportunity came, he was an enthusiastic dancer with his wife. Besides his wife of 65 years, he is survived by his children, Barbara Burns of Portsmouth, RI, Michael P. Burns and his wife Diane of Mesa, AZ, Susan Young and her husband Robert of Middletown, RI, William "Bill" P. Burns of Newport, RI, and Mary Burns of Middletown, RI, five grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Gertrude Burns, Barbara Burns, Margaret Yezuvkevicz, Francis Burns, Michael Burns, and Robert Burns. Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 28, 2014, from 4:00-7:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.His funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2014, at 10:00am, from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00am, in Jesus Savior Church, Broadway, Newport. Burial will follow in St. Columba Cemetery, Brown's Lane, Middletown.Donations in his memory may be made to the James L. Maher Center, PO Box 4390, Middletown, RI 02842 Cemetery Details St. Columba Catholic Cemetery Chapel Brown's Lane Middletown, RI, Visitation APR 28. 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service APR 29. 11:00 AM Jesus Savior Church Broadway at Vernon Ave Newport, RI, US, 02840
"To Barbara and her family,Memories of your Dad describe a wonderful man who was very loved and much admired. We send our sincere condolences. Ellen & Bill Hunt"
"To the Burns familyI would like to extend my sincere sympathy upon the your loss. Bill always had a smile. He always was happy. A good man and will be missedPeter Saunders"
"To the Teirnan and Burns Family, Joe I am very sorry for the loss of your grandfather, after all the stories you told me you all were blessed to have him all these years.I know he will be in your hearts forever. Jim Angell & Family"
"To the Burns family, I have always had the highest respect for your dad. Always a kind, very intelligent man, with a very good sense of humor. His service to our country was that of a true American patriot. The world will be missing a great guy. Russ McCann"
"Raytheon Seapower Leadership Team purchased the Your Light Shines for the family of William P. Burns."
"Secret Garden Basket was purchased for the family of William P. Burns."
"Written in the Stars by Teleflora was purchased for the family of William P. Burns."
"Sweet Tranquility Basket was purchased for the family of William P. Burns."
"Dear Mike and Diane, what a wonderful write up on OBVIOUSLY a WONDERFUL man! It will be while before your sadness leaves you and the many happy memories you MUST have will see you through. You are in our prayers! Love, Rita Kelly"
"Donna Morris lit a candle in memory of William P. Burns"
"Diane B. purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of William P. Burns."
"Teleflora's Sunny Memories was purchased for the family of William P. Burns."
"I have to say, Mr. Burns was the very best father-in-law a girl could ask for. I always knew him to be warm, intelligent, loving, loyal, industrious, accomplished and magnanimous; plus big-hearted, understanding, reliable, noble and savvy. He always had a twinkle in his eye, and he was, always, without a doubt, beloved.Diane"
"Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of William P. Burns."
"Dear Burns Family, We are so sorry for your loss of a wonderful man. May your great memories help you through this rough time. Art and Gis Napolitano and family"