Obituary of William E. Burns

William Burns Sr., 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at Lutheran Care. He was born July 16, 1925 in Clinton, son of the late Patrick and Mary Ellis Burns. Bill served in the US Army during World War II as a PFC in the European Theatre with the Battery B 399th Field Artillery. He was united in marriage to Leta (Lee) Buck on June 25, 1949 at St. Mary's Church in Clinton. Bill retired from NYSDOT after 34 years. He also worked at St. Mary's School Playground where the children fondly called him Frosty. Bill was a member of St. Mary's Church, VFW Post 9591 and the American Legion Post 232. He is survived by his wife Leta; son and daughter-in-law, William and Debi Burns of Boonville; granddaughter Kaila Hoskins; grandson Cory Fletcher and great-grandson Brody Hoskins; brother and sister-in-law Larry and Emiko Burns; sister Carol Zaza; sister-in-law Betty Burns; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Vincent, Patrick, Thomas, Michael and Robert; sister Joan Burns and brother-in-law Rocco Zaza. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Monday, December 28, 2015 at St. Mary's Church in Clinton with burial to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. All are invited to call Sunday from 2-4pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc., 35 College St., Clinton. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Spring Farm Cares, 3364 State Route 12, Clinton, NY 13323 or Stevens-Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St., Utica, NY 13502.