William J. Burns Sr.

Mr. William J. Burns, Sr., age 75, formerly of Utica and currently a resident of DeBary, Florida, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2011. His passing occurred at the Select Specialty Hospital in Orlando, Florida with his family by his side. Born in Utica on December 15, 1935, William was the son of the late James D. and Carolyn (Mangan) Burns. He was raised and educated locally, a graduate of Utica Catholic Academy. On June 22, 1957 he married the former Della Marie Zupkas with whom he shared 27 years until her passing on July 3, 1984; their family meant everything to them and they meant the world to each other. When Della passed, William lost his lifelong friend and love of his life. William was the owner and operator of the B.J. Inn on Route 5 in Kirkland which he established with his wife and good friend, Glenn Jones. Upon his wife’s passing, William sold the inn and worked for many subsequent years at Sharon’s Lounge in Yorkville as Manager and Bartender, until he relocated to Florida. He was a stock car enthusiast by avocation and raced them at the Utica Rome Speedway. He was also a NASCAR fan. He pursued hunting, and later in life he enjoyed a good round of golf. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Teamsters Local #182. He was a former parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church until its closing. William is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Robert Jones of Whitesboro, and Donna and Brian Tanner of FL, with whom he resided; his sons and daughters-in-law, Christopher “Chris”, Lt./UPD, Ret. and Julianne Burns of New Hartford, William J. Burns, Jr. of Utica, James “Jimmy” P. Burns, UFD, Ret. and Deborah Seeber of Verona Beach, NY, and Joseph M. and Kimberly Burns of FL; and his grandchildren, Megan Burns, Savannah Burns, Christopher Burns, Jr., Dawn Jones, Brandon Jones, Shelby Burns, Daniel Tanner, Brionna Tanner, and Ryan Tanner. In addition, he leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Janet Burns, Katherine Dubinsky, Jo-Ceclia Moore, and Richard and Edna Zupkas; and his friends, Artie England, Glenn Jones, Dick Ryan, Paul and Lucille Ferraro, Sharon and Steve Santa Maria, and Carol Ann Tanner. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert Burns; his sisters and brother-in-law, Lois and Robert Sweitzer, and Sister Karen Burns,OSF; and his longtime friend, John Tanner. The family sends a special thank you to William’s daughter, Donna Tanner, his primary caregiver, for all her devoted attention to her father during his illness. Thanks also to Deborah Seeber and Jan Roman for the care they extended to William during his last visit. The family will honor and celebrate William's life at a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend William’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday morning at 11:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Interment will take place in Kirkland Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

William J. Burns Sr.

December 15, 1935 - October 16, 2011