He was raised in the heart of Hyannis, he graduated from Barnstable High School before earning his degree at the University of Vermont. In 1953, Gene married the love of his life, Marcy Burman, beginning a beautiful 73-year journey together that became the foundation for the devoted, close-knit family he cherished above all else.
For 35 years, he could be found at the family-owned clothing store Burman’s on Main St. in Hyannis. His business acumen eventually led him to partner in the hotel industry and build a 26-year career in commercial real estate.
His commitment to local governance was unmatched, including 32 years on the Zoning Board of Appeals, 18 years commission of the Licensing Authority, and past chairman of the Traffic and Transportation Commission for the Town of Barnstable.
Gene was equally generous with his time, stepping up to lead many of the organizations he cared about. He served as past president of the Cape Cod Synagogue, the Downtown Hyannis Association, the Hyannis Board of Trade, the Cape Cod & Islands Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Island chapter of the American Cancer Society. He was a Trustee of Cape Cod Hospital and contributed his leadership as a board member for the Cape and Islands United Way, the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Red Cross, Cape Cod Bank and Trust, Main Street Hyannis, Inc., the Fraternal Lodge of Freemason (AF and AM), and the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Cancer Society.
A member of the Kiwanis Club since 1953, he chaired numerous committees over more than seven decades and earned the honor of serving as Lieutenant Governor of the New England District of Kiwanis International—a testament to his enduring spirit of service. Gene and Marcy travelled extensively with Kiwanis from Europe to Asia.
Gene was predeceased by his parents, Fannie and Hyman Burman; his brothers David Burman and Michael Burman of Hyannis, sister Elaine Stiller of Florida and his son John Burman of East Sandwich.
He is survived by his wife, Marcella (Marcy) Burman of Yarmouthport; his daughter in law Diana Stinson, of West Falmouth; his grand son Justin Burman and grand daughter in law Claire Burman of Santa Barbara CA; his grand daughter Meriah Dufur, grand son in law Kyle Dufur, great grand daughter Sedna Dufur and great grand son Kai Dufur of Little Compton RI. He is also survived by a sister in law Nancy Burman, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A funeral will be held at the Cape Cod Synagogue on Tuesday, August 11th at 11:00 a.m. A gathering, reception and Shiva Service to follow.
Donations in Gene's memory may be made to Kiwanis International. https://www.kiwanis.org/who-we-are/ways-to-give/donation-form/
