On Sunday, December 8, 2024, Robert "Bob" Burns, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully at the age of 87 after a valiant battle with cancer. Bob was born and raised in rural Maine. A captivating story teller, he loved to tell stories of his crazy escapades from his youthful days. He worked in a paper mill, sending logs down river for a logging company (with the water snakes, he hated snakes!), and did construction outside of the B&M baked bean factory which he pointed out with nostalgia on annual family trips to Maine. He eventually made his way to Connecticut where he met his beloved wife Barb, whom he married in 1965, proudly obtained his GED, put down roots and started his family, welcoming his only daughter in 1975. Bob worked many factory jobs, often working double shifts to support his family, although he never missed a game, recital or spelling bee throughout his daughter's childhood.

He spent many years working for Latex Foam Inc. and retired in 1999. A WWII buff, he celebrated his retirement with a ride in a WWII plane, a lifelong dream for him. He spent much of his retirement babysitting his grandchildren and watching them grow into fine young people. He loved to share his hobbies of model trains and building miniature cars with his grandkids. He read every book he could get his hands on. He loved tinkering on his old Mustang, listening to old country music, the only acceptable genre. Despite being color blind, he excelled at jigsaw puzzles. He could often be found working on a crossword puzzle, wearing a flannel shirt, with a tissue in every pocket. A daredevil at heart, he zipped around on a Moped, loved to do "doughnuts" in empty snow-covered parking lots, and zoomed around in his favorite go-cart every chance he got.

He hated bananas and garlic but loved banana bread and garlic bread. He ate home- made spaghetti and meatballs for each and every one of his birthdays. He loved a cold beer, or a coffee with Sambuca. He was stubborn and cantankerous but was loved by everyone he met. He endlessly complained about collecting returnable cans and bottles, only to give his last dollar away to his loved ones. His happiest times were usually around a fire with the people he loved, whether it be in his cherished Sandgate, Vermont or a Wilton Camporee.

Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara, daughter Amy Duda and her husband, Chris, grandchildren, Christopher, Ryan, Caitlin, Zachary (and Jacqueline Johnson), and Dylan. He also leaves behind his furry grandchildren, Clare Bear, Puddles, Skye and Maple, who all miss his gentle way very much, and many extended family and friends.

Friends may call from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. on Friday December 20, 2024 at the Woodbury location of Munson Lovetere Funeral Home located 2 School St. A short service will begin at 6:00 P.M. A private burial will take place at New North Cemetery in Woodbury. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude's St. Jude's Place (501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105).

To leave an online condolence please visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.