Dr. Valentine J. Burroughs

Valentine J. Burroughs, affectionally known to family and friends as “Val” was welcomed into the world on June 1, 1947, in Welch West Virginia, by his proud parents, Valentine J. and Willie-Mae Burroughs. The family relocated to Flint, Michigan where Val graduated from High School and was accepted into the prestigious University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1971. Upon graduation, Val applied and was accepted into the University of Michigan Medical School where in addition to continuing his scholarly and academic achievements, he met Gail Powell who was attending the University of Michigan Law School and the couple married in 1974. While Val completed his Medical Degree in 1975, Gail practiced public interest law in Michigan until they relocated to New York City where Val completed his Internship and Residency in the historic Harlem Hospital where he also served as Chief Resident.

Following his successful training at Harlem Hospital, Dr. Burroughs advanced his medical expertise when he was accepted and completed a Fellowship in Endocrinology at New York University School of Medicine in 1981. It was this area of specialized medicine that would help to define and shape his stellar medical career and practice of medicine for the remainder of his life. Dr. Burroughs, having already gained the reputation as a gifted practitioner, a skilled and compassionate diagnostician and dedicated healer, maintained successful private practices in Harlem and Upper Manhattan and without question was one of the most sought-after medical providers for many years.

Yet, never one to rest on the “laurels of success” and with a fervent desire to grow further within the profession and use his skills to benefit more people, in 2004, Dr. Burroughs received a Physicians Executive MBA from the University of Tennessee School of Business. Dr. Burroughs, having achieved this degree than went on to become Chairman of the Department of Medicine and Chief Medical Officer at North General Hospital in Harlem and later was Chief Medical Officer in Hospitals in Wilmington, Delaware and East Orange, New Jersey. Yet, after all this success, Dr. Burroughs never lost his desire to provide direct care to patients and fulfilled this by becoming the Chief of Endocrinology at Montefiore Nyack, New York where he remained until his retirement in 2021.

With all of his career accomplishments within the medical profession and all of his academic, educational, and organizational awards, Val would tell anyone who would ask that his family was and is his greatest lifetime achievement. His 47-year marriage to Gail; the births of his two beloved children, Kevin and Marlena, the gift, and blessings of his grandchildren, are what he lived for…provided for and that which gave him his greatest joy and a testament to his ever-lasting legacy. Val always welcomed people with a warm smile that brightened up any room. He had a great sense of humor and was an avid golfer, tennis player and skier. Val taught himself Spanish and French and was fluent in both. His command over both languages was impactful as it allowed him to connect with and comfort a diverse group of patients.

Val understood the importance and value of organizational and civic engagement and while too many to recite in detail here, noteworthy was his long-term participation in the National Medical Association, where he served as National Treasurer. He was a member of Grand Boule Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. Beta Zeta Chapter. He was an Emeritus member of the National Association of Guardsmen, Manhattan Chapter, where he served as both National President and President of the Manhattan Chapter.

Called home before Val was his dear Mom and Dad and his brother Daniel Burroughs. He is survived by his wife Gail Powell Burroughs, Esq.; his son Kevin Burroughs and wife Lauren; his daughter Marlena Stout and husband Jamel and his grandchildren, Jacqueline, Layla, Alexa, Ethan, Arya, Ryan, and Reyna. He is also survived by his sisters, Arnetta Burroughs, Valma Burroughs, Rev. Addie Burroughs, Dr. Delores Burroughs-Biron and husband Marc Biron, and Ayana Burroughs as well as a host of dear family members and friends.

Calling hours for Valentine will be held on Monday, June 20, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St. Stamford, Connecticut 06905. The family of Dr. Burroughs will hold a private funeral service on Tuesday, June 21st at 10:00 AM, which will be available to live stream. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to:

The Annual Fund for Greenwich Hospital

Please use the donation link below, select “Tribute Gift,” and indicate that your donation is in memory of Dr. Valentine J. Burroughs.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leopgallagherstamford.com for the Burroughs family.