William Leo Burns Obituary (1937 - 2014)

William L. Burns, 76, of Chelmsford, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Dorothy (Sousa) Burns with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage on October 12th last year. He was born in Cambridge on October 4, 1937 and was a son of the late Arthur L. and Marion (McSweeney) Burns. William was a graduate of Matignon High School and Boston College. He loved everything about B.C. and remained a devoted follower of the Eagles in every sport. He maintained a connection over the years as a longtime football season ticket holder and was a member of the Boston College Club of Cape Cod. William also served in the United States Air Force National Guard during the Vietnam Era. Prior to retirement, William was employed for over 30 years by Digital Equipment Corporation. An avid golfer, he competed in the DEC Golf League every season. He loved the New England sports teams, especially the Boston Red Sox, enjoyed his summers vacationing on Cape Cod, and cherished the time spent with his family. In addition to his loving wife, William is survived by his two children: Christine Fitzgerald and her husband Shawn of Lunenburg, William J. Burns of Chelmsford; and grandson Cole W. Fitzgerald. He is also survived by three brothers: Robert Burns and his wife Lynn of Bedford, James Burns and his wife Marguerite of Yarmouth Port, and John Burns and his wife Carol of Milton, GA; sisters-in-law: Janet Crowley of Colorado Springs and Miriam Sousa of Woburn, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Marie Brogan and brothers-in-law John Brogan and Edward Sousa. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, April 21st from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Blake Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 oclock at St. Irene Parish, 181 East St., Carlisle, MA. Interment to follow at Heart Pond Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in Williams memory may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc., 10 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701, www.diabetes.org, or the Alzheimers Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472, www.alzmass.org. Visitation April 21, 2014 4:00pm - 7:00pm, Blake Funeral Home 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Service Information April 22, 2014 11:00am, St. Irene Catholic Church 181 East Street Carlisle, MA 01741 Interment Location Heart Pond Cemetery Garrison Road/Parkerville Road Chelmsford, MA 01824