Obituary for Walter Burns
Walter “Poppy” Burns, 84, of Roselle Park, NJ transitioned peacefully into Heaven surrounded by his adoring family on Saturday, September 7, 2019.
Funeral is from the Mastapeter Funeral Home, 400 Faitoute Ave., Roselle Park, on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at 8:30am. A Funeral Mass will be offered at Church of the Assumption in Roselle Park at 10am. Cemetery is private.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 from 4 to 8pm.
Walter was born on January 23, 1935 in Jersey City, NJ to parents Walter and Gertrude Burns. Walter grew up in Bayonne, NJ with his siblings Air Force Lieutenant General Ret. John J. Burns, Florence Manno, and Gertrude Burns RN.
Walter is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Annette Burns (Nee Rubino) , daughter Teressa Costa and former son-in-law Tony Costa, son Christopher and Nikki Burns, son Peter and Dr. Vanessa Burns, and grandchildren Michael Costa, Nicholas Costa, Maria Costa, Christian Burns, Riley Burns, Alex Burns, Hunter Burns, Mason Burns, and Tanner Burns, and his constant four-legged companion, Bandit.
Walter was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a truck driver for 51 years, an avid Catholic Church volunteer, Eucharistic Minister and CCD teacher for over 20 years.
Walter’s passionate love for family, friends, animals and life was evident in everything he did. He was a friend to all, an enemy to none. He leaves behind countless inspirational, positive examples of love for his family, loved ones, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Walter left this world with his love for his wife and family as his top priority. He taught his family how to love. His love was beautiful and expressed until his last breath.
Walter lived life to the fullest. He was known for all things good - singing Irish folk songs, wearing silly, quirky T-shirts, caring deeply for others, enjoying food and drinks with friends and family, being the life of the party, having a great sense of humor, and, above all, his prodigious and eternal love for his 9 grandchildren who called him Poppy. Poppy was their best friend, teddy bear, dress up doll, cheerleader and mentor. He was the biggest fan of their accomplishments, no matter how small. He attended every one of his grandchildren’s sports, dance, school, club and life events. As a young man his friends coined him Dynamite for his small size but powerful force. He validated that name throughout his life. His unbreakable reputation strengthened as age brought health challenges. He continued to endure, adapt and overcome.
His family’s hearts ache for him but the fond memories and legacy of love he left behind will sustain them.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center.
Funeral is from the Mastapeter Funeral Home, 400 Faitoute Ave., Roselle Park, on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at 8:30am. A Funeral Mass will be offered at Church of the Assumption in Roselle Park at 10am. Cemetery is private.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 from 4 to 8pm.
Walter was born on January 23, 1935 in Jersey City, NJ to parents Walter and Gertrude Burns. Walter grew up in Bayonne, NJ with his siblings Air Force Lieutenant General Ret. John J. Burns, Florence Manno, and Gertrude Burns RN.
Walter is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Annette Burns (Nee Rubino) , daughter Teressa Costa and former son-in-law Tony Costa, son Christopher and Nikki Burns, son Peter and Dr. Vanessa Burns, and grandchildren Michael Costa, Nicholas Costa, Maria Costa, Christian Burns, Riley Burns, Alex Burns, Hunter Burns, Mason Burns, and Tanner Burns, and his constant four-legged companion, Bandit.
Walter was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a truck driver for 51 years, an avid Catholic Church volunteer, Eucharistic Minister and CCD teacher for over 20 years.
Walter’s passionate love for family, friends, animals and life was evident in everything he did. He was a friend to all, an enemy to none. He leaves behind countless inspirational, positive examples of love for his family, loved ones, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Walter left this world with his love for his wife and family as his top priority. He taught his family how to love. His love was beautiful and expressed until his last breath.
Walter lived life to the fullest. He was known for all things good - singing Irish folk songs, wearing silly, quirky T-shirts, caring deeply for others, enjoying food and drinks with friends and family, being the life of the party, having a great sense of humor, and, above all, his prodigious and eternal love for his 9 grandchildren who called him Poppy. Poppy was their best friend, teddy bear, dress up doll, cheerleader and mentor. He was the biggest fan of their accomplishments, no matter how small. He attended every one of his grandchildren’s sports, dance, school, club and life events. As a young man his friends coined him Dynamite for his small size but powerful force. He validated that name throughout his life. His unbreakable reputation strengthened as age brought health challenges. He continued to endure, adapt and overcome.
His family’s hearts ache for him but the fond memories and legacy of love he left behind will sustain them.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center.