Robert F. Burns, Sr.

Robert F. Burns, Sr. of Wollaston, was born and raised in Roxbury and Jamaica Plain. When just barely a teenager, Bob left high school and entered the United States Navy. WWII began a short time later, Mr. Burns was a Gunner’s Mate on oil tankers ferrying much needed fuel to troops stationed in Europe and North Africa. Bob then went on to serve in the Pacific theater on board a Submarine Chaser. The ship left the East coast, traveling through the Panama Canal and around the US to the West Coast and Hawaii. Bob told his children, the beauty was not lost on me; it was a shame that the war was the only way most of us ever had to travel to such a beautiful place. Growing up in the 30’s and coming of age in the 40’s, there was no time for travel or vacations, at least not for a poor kid from Jamaica Plain. Then while serving in the Pacific, Bob participated in the invasion of Okinawa. He and his crew were shipwrecked on the island of Takashima after their submarine chaser, SC 686, ran aground during a typhoon. They spent days on the island cut up and hungry, having to climb over coral to get to its shore; they were finally rescued after ten days. He served for the duration of the war and then eventually made his way back to Boston. He remembered how happy he was to see friends and family and to sit quietly in church. He was just happy to be there. With the GI bill Mr. Burns graduated and went on to a career in office machine management, first with Smith Corona and later with Harvard University where he worked until he retired 25 years later. Several years after returning home from the war, Mr. Burns met the love of his life at a party at White Horse Beach, a red headed nurse who kept him on his toes for 49 years. He and his late wife June went on to raise four children and enjoy time with their four grandchildren. In his final days Mr. Burns spent time at home and was cared for with the assistance of the South Shore VNA and the wonderful doctors and nurses of Carney Hospital in Dorchester. He peacefully passed away over the weekend. Mr. Burns was the devoted father of Robert F. Burns, Jr. and his wife Janet of Annandale VA, Brian J. Burns of Wollaston, Colonel Stephen T. Burns and his wife Kimberly of Springfield, VA and Mariellen Burns of Boston. Brother of Nancy Norton of Norfolk, and Joan Lake of Norwood. Grandfather of Timothy, Gregory, Michael and Emily Burns. Loving uncle of Frank McNeil, Cathie Amate, Sally Santiago, Robert Norton, Jr., Gregory Lake, MaryKay Feinberg, Thomas Norton, Christopher & Jennifer Lake. Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the Life Celebration Service at Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock Street, Quincy, Wednesday at 9:15 AM. Funeral Mass in St. Ann’s Church, Wollaston at 10 AM. Visiting hours Tuesday 4-8 PM. Burial in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that expressions of sympathy in Bob’s honor be made to Caritas Carney Hospital, 2100 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA.