William “Bill” J. Burns, Jr.
William “Bill” Joseph Burns, Jr. of Braintree, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 1, 2021, after a battle with cancer. He was 83. Beloved husband to Nancy (Kelly) Burns for 53 years. Loving father to William J. Burns, III of Boston, Kelly (Burns) Lessard and her husband Michael Lessard of Braintree. Amazing Papa to Nolan and Sean Lessard of Braintree.
Bill was born in Boston to William and Mary (Ellis) Burns (both deceased). He grew up in Boston (Roxbury, Billerica and Brighton) with his 9 brothers and sisters. Donna O’Donnell (deceased), Helen Zicko (deceased), Bobby Burns (his best friend), Maureen Bland, Kathy Burns, Jimmy Burns (deceased), Eileen Fahey and Michael Burns (deceased). He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, especially Larry Iarossi.
In 1955, Bill joined the Army. He later went on to learn the art of making dentures. He worked for many dentists through the years and then went on to have his own business, Burns Dental Lab. He took great pride in his profession and loved helping people smile again.
Bill and his family spent their early years in Quincy and then enjoyed many years living in Pembroke by the lake, boating, fishing and waterskiing with his kids and their friends. In recent years he and his wife moved to Braintree to be close to his grandkids.
He had a great sense of humor and loved to joke around. He loved to sing Sinatra and he was the life of the party at family events.
Bill loved the ocean. Being on his boat with his wife Nancy were his happiest days.
Services will be private, with a celebration of life by the ocean this summer for family and friends.
Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Thanks for so many belly laughs, Uncle Billy! And for always being there for my mom. I’ll always remember you & Auntie Nancy taking care of me during some tough times when we were little – and skating to Blondie in your home-made ice rink. Loads of love to you, Auntie Nancy, Billy, Kelly, Nolan & Sean – and Uncle Bobby – and Larry – who will miss you most. It’s like a Burns reunion up there now 😉
R.I.P Uncle Billy. Sending love and prayers to all of you. So sorry for your loss. We love you xoxo
So sorry for yer loss Kelly and family . Hugs to your Mom. May your Dad Rest In Peace . Thinking of you all xxx
Dear Nancy and family, I am so sorry for you all. This is a special time to honor Bill but a sad time for all of his loved family. I am thinking of you and praying for you to find peace. Much Love Cathy Carroll & family
Kelly , Mike , Nolan and Sean, our most sincere sympathy on the loss of your Dad and Grandfather , what a nice man he was .
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
Warmly ,
Susan Walsh and family
Mrs. Burns, Billy, Kelly and family – I’m very sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Burns well, especially his laugh, Rest In Peace. May all your cherished memories of him help during this difficult time. Sending hugs.
Nancy, Kelly and Billy I’m so sorry you had to have your time with Bill taken. I wish there was something that could make this sorrow less terrible to go through and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and knowing he can meet up with all the ones who have gone before him. He is not alone or in pain anymore!!!!Love you all
Love you guys xoxoxox
My love goes out to The Burns family .. Biill was the greatest .. He was funny and he was kind .. he always made people laugh and smile .. He was generous .. my fondest memories were staying over kelly’s as a kid and Bill would go to the store and load is up with candy !! He was a great role model .. A wonderful Dad .. lots of Love to you all Nancy .. Billy and Kelly
My love goes out to The Burns family .. Biill was the greatest .. He was funny and he was kind .. he always made people laugh and smile .. He was generous .. my fondest memories were staying over kelly’s as a kid and Bill would go to the store and load is up with candy !! He was a great role model .. A wonderful Dad .. lots of Love to you all Nancy .. Billy and Kelly
There are no words adequate enough to describe such a huge loss as Bill Burns.
I’m grateful our family got to enjoy his company, generosity and sense of humor over the past 40+ years.
I’ll always remember his zest for life and devotion to his family
R.I.P. Bill
Bill was a unique guy, loaded with humor and personality, bigger than life. I remember once when my kids were small, we were visiting the Burns’ and Paul lost his baby tooth–first from his mouth, then from his pocket. There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth when, up from the basement came Bill to save the day. He handed Paul a fake tooth, good enough to fool the old tooth fairy, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Bill kept all of us laughing through the years. He was a good man and a good friend and he will be greatly missed.