Michael Richard Burns

Michael Richard Burns, 45, of Cheshire, CT, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, at the West Haven VA after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease. Born on April 16, 1980, in Waterbury, CT, Michael was the beloved and cherished son of Cheryl and Brian Lunn.

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Michael served his country with honor and commitment. After his military service, he worked at Webster Bank for 7 years and continued his dedication to helping others through his work as a sleep lab technician.

Michael had a creative and vibrant spirit. He was an artist, excelled in computer technology, was a passionate gamer, and an enthusiastic fan of the New York Yankees and New York Giants. He especially cherished Christmas and his guilty pleasure was watching Hallmark movies, especially Christmas in July. An avid lover of music and once claimed a memorable victory in a lip sync competition performing to New Kids on the Block — a moment emblematic of his sense of fun and charisma.

He was known for his generosity, intelligence, kind soul, dry wit, and deep love for his family. Michael is survived by his cherished son, Gabriel Burns who was his whole heart and his ex-wife and friend Olivia Sherman; his brother, Joey Burns who he compassionately cared for throughout his life; and a loving extended family including his beloved aunt and friend, Jeanne Martin, and her partner Glen Galbraith, aunts Maureen Burns and Donna MacMullen, uncle Fred MacMullen and his wife Carla and their daughter Tori, and great aunt Regina Sass who was his angel on earth, along with several additional friends, aunts, uncles, and cousins, especially Jordon Bliven who will miss him dearly.

Michael was predeceased by his father, Patrick Burns, his grandmothers Annette Overton and her husband Ken, Alice Burns, his grandfathers Fred MacMullen and Joseph Burns, his great-grandmother, Carmela Cipriano, and his Uncles Gary Bliven and Tom Burns and several other beloved family members.

The family would like to make a special acknowledgement to the West Haven VA Medical Center for their valiant and loving care and who became his second family. Every person who provided care and interacted with him from security guards, cafeteria staff, primary doctors, ER specialists, physical therapists, nurses, custodians, and social workers and so many more, we extend our gratitude and we will hold a special place in our hearts and you all will always be honored as part of Michael’s family.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11AM at the Church of St. Dominic 1050 Flanders Rd. Southington. In honor of his service to country, military honors will be rendered after Mass at the church. All who wish to attend are asked to gather directly at church for 11AM, there will be no calling hours. Following Mass, all are welcome to gather at 64 Dallas Ave. Plainville, for a continued celebration of Michael's life.

To leave a message of remembrance or condolence for Michael’s family, please visit www.DellaVecchiaSouthington.com