William E. Burns

 William E. Burns

1926 - 2023

William Edward Burns, {97}, of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2023. The cause of death was old age, having lived a long life of 97 years. 

William, fondly known as ‘Bill” or “Burnsey” to everyone, was born on June 22, 1926 to John and Cecilia Burns of Philadelphia. William served his country in the Navy during WWII and was stationed in the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, and the Philippines on transport supply boats and frigates. He was one of the few last surviving veterans from WWII. 

He loved sports his entire life, especially football, to the point of even watching old football games from 20 years ago during the off-season. A long-time resident of South Philly, William was the drummer of his band in the Fancy Division that marched up Broad Street for the Mummer’s Parade. He was also a long-time resident of St. Monica’s parish and he often regaled the family with his exploits at St Monica’s Elementary School and South Catholic High School. Although William eventually moved from South Philly to Drexel Hill, South Philly was always in his blood. Being a kind and dependable father was of the utmost importance to William, and he certainly succeeded when it came to wholeheartedly loving his family.

William was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Burns, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage and his brothers, Eugene and Robert, and his sister Nancy. He is survived by his four children, Francis (Andrea) Burns, Michael (Deborah) Burns, William (Tammy) Burns and Patricia (Edward) McElroy, eight grandchildren (Pamela, Kathryn, Edward, Nicole, Dana, Alicia, Danielle, and Kyle), and six great-grandchildren (Grace Kelly, Kai, Charlotte, Remy, Dylan, and Isabelle). He is also survived by this brothers Francis, Donald, and James.

There will be a visitation on Wednesday  August 9, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 3500 School Lane, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania 19026 where his Funeral Mass will follow at 11AM. Interment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations in William's memory may be made to:

Lifeline for Vets

5777 West Century Blvd.

Suite 350

Los Angeles, CA 90045

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