Lawrence Larry F. Burns Sr.

Pownal – Lawrence F. Burns, Sr., 93, of Pownal, formerly of Falmouth, died September 20, 2014 in Brunswick. He was born in Dedham, MA on April 2, 1921, a son of Agnes (Monahan) and Michael Burns. He was educated in local schools and attended Norfolk “Aggie”. Larry played farm league hockey for the Boston Bruins and was a Golden Gloves boxer.

He enlisted in the US Army during WWII and served in the US Army Air Corps as a gunner and mechanic. He was based in England and flew missions over France and Belgium. In 1945 he had the great fortune to marry Joan Kathleen Smith of Southport, England and together they had three children.

Returning stateside, Larry worked as a machinist in Hyde Park, MA, then as a corrections officer in Norfolk, MA and finished his career in law enforcement as a police officer with the Town of Medway, MA. He was a member of Medway VFW and a 53 year member of the American Legion, most recently with Post #164 of Falmouth, ME.

Gifted with a phenomenal memory, Larry was an excellent storyteller, readily gave nicknames and was proud to be an “Irish Catholic Democrat”. He enjoyed riding horses, woodworking, camping and was a talented gardener. He was the “go to guy” for anything mechanical and had a good ear for making a “diagnostic”. He also played the harmonica and always enjoyed a good meal.

Larry will be remembered for his love of life with “no room for sadness”. His open spirit made him an easy person to know and friendships were formed wherever he went. His love of people truly showed itself in his affection, respect and love of his family. For his son Larry he went from being a father to being a friend. His grandson Lawrence will remember his as a good teacher who took time to explain the whys and consequences in a caring and patient manner demonstrating his talent as a master craftsman.

Larry is survived by his son Michael D. Burns of Lewiston, ME; his son Lawrence F. Burns, Jr. and his wife Maureen of Ocala, FL; his daughter Joanne K. Wheeler and her husband Dennis of Pownal; his six grandchildren: Christine Doyle, Lawrence F. Burns, III, Robin Verge and her husband Andy, Jennifer Beal and her husband Wes, Megan Trundy and her husband Adam, Benjamin Wheeler and his wife Kendra; six great-grandchildren: Kyle Doyle, Dylan Doyle, Ruthie Beal, Wes Beal, Jacob Trundy, Annabelle Verge; one great-great-granddaughter: Stella Doyle; his sister Dorothy Russell of Taunton, MA and a large extended family and circle of friends. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Joan K. Burns in 2008 and his brother, Leo M. Burns in 2006.

Visiting hours will be on Thursday September 25 from 5 – 7 PM at Lindquist Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth, ME. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday September 26 at 10:00 AM at Holy Martyrs Catholic Church, 266 Foreside Road, Falmouth, ME with a reception following in the church hall. Burial will be on Monday September 29 at 9:00 AM at Holy Cross Cemetery, 78 Smith Street, Yarmouth. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Larry’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Larry’s memory to: Honor Flight New England, PO Box 16287, Hooksett, NH 03106