Robert J. Burns

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Robert J. Burns, 84, of 364 E. Virginia Blvd, Jamestown N.Y., an insurance underwriter who revolutionized the industry with his specialized approach, died of an aneurysm May 20, 2008, in Syracuse. Born on Jan. 6, 1924 in Whitesboro, N.Y., to James D. and M. Carolyn Mangan Burns, he joined the Army just out of high school and served in the China, Burma, India campaign. Upon his return, he was the elected commander of the Adrean-Smith Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and attended the Seminary and Utica College. Graduating from Syracuse University 1949 with a degree in transportation, he was recalled with the National Guard and served in Korea during the war. Throughout his life in Utica, Syracuse, and Jamestown, he is best known for his dedication to family and community. ''Bob'' Burns took leadership roles in the American Legion, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Boy Scouts, Lions Club, Chautauqua Blind Association, and was district director of the Family Campers and RVers. Active in the church all his life, he was a eucharistic minister at St. James Parish, Jamestown, N.Y. He is survived by his wife, Janet Gassner Burns, whom he married on Nov. 11, 1950, their seven children: Kevin (Cecilia) Burns of San Diego Calif., Patricia (Paul) White of Clay N.Y., Eileen (Bill) Tallmadge of Afton, N.Y., Stephen (Jean) Burns of E. Machias, Maine, Peggy Burns of Orlando Fla., Kathleen (TR) Lind of Oveido Fla., and Michael (Carol) Burns of Nelliston, N.Y.; 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He also leaves his brother, Bill Burns of Debary, Fla.; a sister, Sister Karen (Dorothy) Burns of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and paternal aunt, Marjorie Burns Edson of Skaneateles, N.Y. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lois Sweitzer. A Funeral Mass at will be celebrated at 11 am Friday, in St. James Catholic Church. Afterwards a celebration of life will be held with family and friends at Rose Garden Reception rooms. A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27th, in Clinton, N,Y, at St. Mary's Cemetery with Father Croghan, officiating.