Francis W. ''Frank'' Burns

Francis "Frank" William Burns, 87, passed away Saturday January 7th, 2017 at his home in Manchester following a difficult battle with brain cancer. He leaves his wife of 60 years, Frances (Klun) Burns, his children Ellen (Burns) Johndrow and her husband Mark Johndrow of Manchester, Francis Burns and his wife Kate (Carroll) Burns of Manchester, Robert J. Burns and his wife Kim (Coleman) Burns of Landsdowne, VA, and Richard Burns and his wife Kim (Hallas) Burns of Woodbury. He also leaves behind his loving grandchildren, Matthew Burns and his wife Stacy of Simsbury, Meghan Burns and her fianc Brandon Hughes of Manchester, Erin (Burns) Zimei and her husband Michael of Bolton, Thomas Landers of Manchester, Caitlin Landers and her fianc Vincent LaPira of Middletown, New York, Robert C. Burns and Courtney Burns of Landsdowne, VA, along with Madison and Michael Burns of Woodbury. He also leaves behind his sisters-in-law; Jacqueline Burns and Virginia Klun. Burns is predeceased by his parents, Francis William Burns and Mary Florence (Anderson) Burns, his brother Gerald Burns, and brother-in-law Joseph Klun. Burns was born on November 24th, 1929 and raised in Woodhaven, New York. He graduated from St. John's Preparatory School in Brooklyn, where he received a perfect attendance award while traveling on the subways. Burns graduated from St. John's University in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in History. After graduation, he served in the Army's 3rd Armored Division, Company C of the 8th Heavy Tank Brigade until 1953. Burns served part of that time overseas in Korea. Frank Burns met the love of his life, Frances (Klun) Burns at a church dance at St. Thomas the Apostle in Woodhaven. He married his "better half" November 3rd, 1956 at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Forest Hills, New York. Burns taught high school history and English in Brooklyn. He went into the insurance business for many years, working at Great American in New York City. Burns then worked for Utica Mutual in New York, and transferred to New Jersey and then to Connecticut with the company. In Connecticut, he then worked for National Grange Insurance Company. Burns left the insurance industry and worked at Flower Fashion in Manchester before finally retiring. Burns was a deeply religious man, he was a communicant of St. Bridget Church in Manchester, where he served on the RCIA committee and was a member of the pastoral counsel. He treasured his time spent with his family. He also loved animals, gardening, watching the Patriots, and attending the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren group of South Windsor. He enjoyed spending summers in Little Falls, N.Y. where he had a home. He will be missed very much. Calling hours will be held at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St. Manchester on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Bridget Church, 80 Main St. Manchester on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 11:00 am. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Bridget Cemetery in Manchester. In lieu of flowers, the Burns family asks that donations be made to St. Bridget School in Manchester or East Catholic High School in Manchester. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com



Visitation DetailsWednesday, January 11th, 2017 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Holmes Funeral Home
Wednesday, January 11th, 2017 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Holmes Funeral Home
Service DetailsThursday, January 12th, 2017 11:00am, St. Bridget Church
Interment DetailsSt. Bridget Cemetery