Brian J. Burns

Brian J. Burns, of the Wollaston section of Quincy, a devoted brother, uncle, cousin and friend, was born on July 12, 1962, and left this world on April 24, 2025, surrounded by his brothers and sister at Tufts Medical Center after a short but courageous battle with cancer. The doctors, nurses and technicians at Tufts quickly became part of Brian’s extended family.

Brian grew up as one of the red-headed Burns kids, all earning the moniker of “Burnsy” from family and friends. Brian was fast and trim and always on the move, prompting life-long efforts to “plump him up” – a mission he embraced, especially when chocolate was involved.

A proud 1981 graduate of Quincy High School’s culinary vocational program, Brian was always a hard worker. He worked at Valle’s Steak House as a teen, then went on to work at Liberty Mutual for more than a dozen years before pursuing higher education. Brian attended Northeastern University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting. His years of experience coupled with his accounting education served him well in his career managing inventory and received goods at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Boston for more than 25 years. Renowned for his trustworthy nature and exceptional organizational skills, Brian excelled in his role and was a valued member of the team.

Brian's passion for life extended beyond his career. From an early age, annual family vacations to Scituate and then Lake Winnepausakee sparked a life-long love of the water and ultimately lake life, filled with water skiing, boating, flashlight tag, game nights and cooking out. For the past 20 years, he was the boat captain at his family’s lake house on Lake Winnisquam in New Hampshire, where countless memories were made. Brian was also the grill master, confidently handling his Weber grill, ensuring everything was cooked to perfection—even when grilling in the dark after a long day on the lake.

In addition to his talents and hobbies, Brian had an understated personality but was quick witted and often surprised people who underestimated him. He was always on time, he showed up for others without hesitation in times of need and always gave people the benefit of the doubt. He possessed an admirable ability to calm others. His quiet sense of strength was a comfort to those who were lucky to know him. Brian was deeply involved in his community, volunteering for Christmas in the City, where he dedicated his time and effort to provide magical experiences for Boston's homeless youth.

His hobbies included creating epic playlists of music from the 1970s to the present, which he would play by the fire late into the night at the lake. He truly loved music and his passion brought joy to his family and friends, who would eagerly anticipate the next song selection. Brian was an avid skier and traveler – learning to ski at “Heavenly Hill” and Blue Hills as a child, later conquering slopes at Gunstock, Sugarbush and even skiing in Germany. Brian enjoyed travel whether it was summer Cape House with friends, or a long-awaited trip to Ireland, he treasured the trip, the time with those he loved and shopping for souvenirs for everyone in the family.

Brian’s proudest accomplishments were his family, particularly his relationship with his nephew Jeremiah, the friendships he formed at the lake, and the impact he made through his work. His legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched with his warmth, wit and kindness.

Brian was the beloved son of the late Robert F. Burns Sr. and June C. Burns of Wollaston. Devoted brother to Robert F. Burns, Jr. and his wife Janet of Annandale VA, Ret. Colonel Stephen T. Burns and his wife Kimberly of Fairfax Station, VA and Mariellen Burns of Boston. Uncle to Timothy, Gregory, Michael, Emily and Jeremiah Burns.

Brian J. Burns leaves behind cherished memories that will be forever held in the hearts of all those he loved.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday 5/1/2025 from 4-8 PM at the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY, MA 02170. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Friday 5/2/2025 prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Ann’s Church, Quincy at 10 AM. Burial will take place at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. Flowers are welcome or a donation can be made in Brian’s memory to the “Neely House” at Tufts Medical Center, via the Cam Neely Foundation