William Joseph Burns

Born in Trenton, N.J., he attended grade and high school in the Diocese of Trenton School System. He became the Salutatorian at Trenton Catholic Boy's High School Class of 1940. He was voted the student "Most Likely to Succeed".

William was an Army Veteran of World War II, serving in the 103rd Infantry Division with the 409th Infantry Regiment, 7th Army in the European Theater of Operations. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and three Battle Stars for his participation in combat operations against the enemy. Upon Honorable Discharge from the Army, he obtained employment with New Jersey Bell Telephone Company in Trenton N.J.

He retired as an Electrical Engineer from the AT&T Corp. after 35 plus years of dedicated employment with AT&T and the Bell System companies. He and his wife Marie resided in New Jersey for 65 years and upon retirement they lived in several communities in Florida, Austin, and Dallas, Texas before settling most recently in Kingwood, Texas,

William was preceded in death by his parents William M. Burns and Caroline J. (Feltes) Burns; brother, Robert E. Burns; and daughter and son-in-law Rosemarie C. and Daniel A. Kaminski. He is survived by his wife Marie K. Burns; two sons, William D. Burns and wife Sally of Grapevine TX; Thomas R. Burns and wife Delores of Dover DE.; daughter Kathy A. Loyka and husband Jeff of Kingwood TX. He was a proud grandfather of nine Grandchildren: Emily Burns, Mollie Burns, Andrew Burns, and wife Joanna; Kristen Ridgway and husband John, Kelly Vogel and husband Mike, Kate Burns, Kurt Kaminski, Kyle Loyka, and Evan Loyka along with four Great Grand Children: Greyson and Finley Ridgway, and Noah and Presley Vogel.

William was quite a craftsman having built his first home with the help from his Father-in-law. He enjoyed fixing anything that needed to be repaired and he had a passion for tackling car problems with logic and plenty of patience.

He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather who enriched the lives of family, co-workers, and friends. He readily supported those in need with a compassion that was selfless. His dedication to his faith, and commitment to his family and friends, will be cherished forever.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to: the Pioneers or VFW-William was a member and supported both of these organizations.

TelecomPioneers Organization

c/o Helene Hill

65 Whitehall Rd.

Hamilton Square, NJ 08690-3150

For Online donations to National Organization:

www.pioneersvolunteer.org

Veterans of Foreign Wars-VFW

Personal Checks:

Trenton VFW Post 12165

171 Jersey ST. Bldg 5-2nd Floor

Trenton, NJ 08611