Albert Ben J. Burinskas

Albert “Ben” J. Burinskas, 93, of East Hartford, beloved husband of the late Rita (Bruzas) Burinskas, passed away peacefully on Sunday (December 30, 2012). Born on August 8, 1919 in New Britain, he was the son of the late George and Magdalene (Vaicelis) Burinskas and had lived in the area his whole life. A graduate of New Britain High, Ben was a proud U.S. Navy veteran, serving on the submarine USS Sea Leopard during WWII. He worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford as a jet engine assembler for over 35 years. He enjoyed fishing, trick kite flying, gardening, dancing, playing pinochle and traveling. He was a member of the East Hartford South End Seniors and skied well into his 70s with the Manchester Ski Club. Ben is survived by his son, Joseph Burinskas of Las Vegas, NV; his daughter, Cathleen “Cathy” Bryant and her husband Alan of New Britain; two nephews, Walter and Paul Burinskas and his two special friends, Bob Bedard and Claire Wentworth, both of East Hartford. Besides his wife of 57 years he was also predeceased by his brothers, Joseph and Walter Burinskas and his sister, Helen Menelga. Ben’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of the Hartford VNA, and thank the staff at Mountain Laurel Assisted Living for their care and compassion.

Funeral services will be held on Friday (January 4) at 10:30 a.m. at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter St., East Hartford with Reverend James Nock officiating. Burial will follow in Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Family and friends may visit the funeral chapel on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ben’s memory may be made to the Mountain Laurel Assisted Living, Heritage Wing Memory Garden, 1177 Hebron Ave. Glastonbury, CT 06033. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.