David Ephraim Burns

David Ephraim Burns of Waterbury, CT passed away in his sleep on February 28, 2026, in Annapolis, MD. He was born on May 24, 1938, to Albert Burns and Gussie Miller Burns. David grew up in Waterbury with his sister, Elaine, and brother, Marty.

While in Connecticut, he met his beloved wife and friend, Arlene. They were married for 56 years until Arlene’s passing in 2022.

Professionally, David was a diamond buyer. His job took him on buying trips to New York, Antwerp, Bombay, and Tel Aviv. His career also took his family from Connecticut to Maine, Louisiana, Georgia, and ultimately North Carolina, which was home for over 35 years. In each locale, Arlene and David met dear friends who became their extended family, especially in Wilmington. David loved the Wilmington community, and upon retirement, he volunteered with the synagogue, the police department, the aquarium at Fort Fisher, and his favorite pastime, serving as the “Baby Whisperer,” calming babies born prematurely at the NICU in New Hanover Memorial Hospital.

Music was David’s love language and lifeforce. He was an accomplished jazz pianist and often played at events around Wilmington. His favorite “gigs,” however, were accompanying Arlene’s singing, being a member of the Kavanotes (the synagogue choir), or playing with (and for) his four granddaughters who loved him dearly—Halle and Lexie Burns and Lainey and Kylie Schmitter. The girls often sang and danced in the family’s living room while David happily provided the soundtrack.

David also had a magnetic personality. Everywhere he went, whether it was in his assisted living community or attending weddings and B’nai mitzvahs, people were drawn to him. His smile, jovial disposition, and dance moves made a positive impact on people no matter where he went.

In addition to his granddaughters, he is survived by his son, Adam Burns (Jackie Raskin-Burns), and his daughter, Drew Burns (Paul Dogge) who miss him greatly.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 10:30 am at B’nai Israel Synagogue, 2601 Chestnut St., Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to B’nai Israel Synagogue in David’s memory.