Benjamin A. Burness

Benjamin A. Burness passed away September 3, 2020 at the age of 92. He was the loving husband of the late Vivian Burness for 58 years. He was the beloved father of the late Vivian (Serge) Schillio, Betty (David) Jazowski, and Patricia Burness. He was the cherished grandfather of Paul (Sara) Schillio, Sarah (John) Schillio Lindenmayer, Brenna (Danny) Gagnon, and Andrew Jazowski. He was the dear great grandfather of Jackson Schillio, Lauren Schillio, Rowan Lindenmayer, Reid Lindenmayer, Lila Gagnon and Scarlett Gagnon.

Born and raised in Atlantic City, NJ, Ben graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1946 where he was well known for his football career. He later graduated from Bloomsburg State Teachers College where he furthered his education and continued playing football at the collegiate level. His preferred position was full back but was also a lineman.

He joined the Atlantic City Beach Patrol in his teenage years as a lifeguard, where he patrolled the beaches for 32 years. His love for teaching continued year round. He loved sharing his knowledge, witt, laughter and even magic tricks with fellow guards and bathers on the beach.

Ben and his wife moved to Michigan for their teaching careers, where they both taught for the Roseville Community School System for 32 years. Ben taught 10th grade biology at Roseville High School and later at Carl Brablec High School.

Ben and Vivian took the opportunity to travel abroad to some beautiful places including Ireland, Spain, France, Italy and Hong Kong. His favorite hobby was making beautiful stained glass pieces. Some of his favorite pieces were his many angels.

Ben was a kind, honest and generous soul. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Above all things, Ben was a teacher. When having a conversation with him you always learned something new. The world is a better place because he was able to share some of his knowledge and wisdom with everyone he met.