Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Burns Obituary
Bob was born in Mount Carmel, PA in 1935. He was a standout football player at Mt. Carmel Catholic High School who recorded a 9.2 in the 100 yard sprint in pads. After graduating from high school in 1952, he moved to Philadelphia and was employed by Sylvan Seal Milk Corporation for 14 years.
When he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1966 and became wheelchair bound, Bob found a passion for coaching swimming and diving. He was the swim and diving coach to countless number of children and young adults at the Chester, PA YWCA and the Briarcliffe Swim Club of Glenolden, PA. In 1982 Bob received the citation of merit from Pennsylvania Governor Milton Schapp for all his work for children.
Bob has been a resident of Springfield, PA for 25 years.
Survivors: Bob is survived by his loving wife, Rose Marie (nee Bernot); his four children, Robert, Jr. (Lori) of Allentown, PA, Kathleen (Paul) Moran of Midlothian, VA, David (Cheryl) of West Chester, PA and Angela of Springfield, PA; four grandchildren, Rosemary, Kevin, Robert III, and Matthew. He was a brother to James Burns of Collegeville, PA, Patricia Procopio of West Chester, PA and Virginia Craig of Bowie, MD.
Viewing and Service: Viewing will be Tuesday, August 13th at 9 a.m. followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 136 Saxer Avenue, Springfield, PA.
Burial: SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or St. Anthony's Bread, Franciscan Mission Associates, P.O. Box 598, Mount Vernon, New York 10551-0598.
Arrangements: O'Leary Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Burns
FRANCINE AURILIA
May 15, 2014
ROSE....I AM SURE YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL...MY HEART IS SO SAD...I LOVED YOU BOTH SO MUCH AND MISS YOU BOTH AND OUR LITTLE TRIPS ..HE WAS A PLEASURE AND YOU DEAR GIRL..YOU MADE IT ALL HAPPEN FOR HIM...HE WAS SOMETHING ELSE...GOD BLESS HIM AND HOLD HIM TO HIS HEART...PLS TELL THE KIDS HOW SORRY I FEEL..I KNOW THEIR PAIN...I WILL TRY TO CALL YOU SOON....FRANNY ANNE (PER MURPH)
Michele (Super) Quindlen
August 15, 2013
To the Burns family my thoughts and prayers are with you all! I feel privileged to have know such a great man! Lucky to have be coached by him and also to work with him as his assistant coach. He taught all who knew him about hard work, overcoming obstacles, humility, sportsmanship kindness and being part of a team. Life lessons that we all still carry with us! Thank you Mr. Burns for all the lives you have touched!!
Elynor Urban Furlan
August 14, 2013
To all the Burns, I am so sorry for the loss of this great man. I always felt respect in our special relationship, and fondly remember the great days at Briarcliffe. YOU passed on valuable skills, knowledge and insights. You were instrumental to me and my career as a nurse. I thank you. God Speed
David Green
August 14, 2013
Rose and Family,
I just read about Bob in the paper. I was out of state until last night. I was shocked when I saw Bob's name. My heart goes out to you and the family. If there is anything that I can do, please, just ask. I am sorry for your loss. May Bob rest in God's eternal peace and may his family and friends be comforted.
The Barrett family
August 13, 2013
Memories ,what a great coach BSC --your family is in our prayers tonight and always -- never be another as knowledgeable,confident,trustworthy, and all around great coach --you will be missed!
The Barrett Family
Jeanne LeVasseur
August 12, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Mr. Burns was my swim coach at BSC. He was an inspiration to all those he encountered. Little did I know, when he pushed me to what I thought was my limit, he was shaping me into the person I am today. Thank Coach Burns, rest in peace.
August 12, 2013
Angela, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. I remember him from Briarcliff Swim Pool and my one summer of being on the swim team. You and your family are in my prayers.
Missy "Maffei" Finsterbusch
Jim McCusker
August 12, 2013
Mr. Burns was one of my very few heroes. He helped me become me. I hope he passed with the knowledge that he was a giant to so many people, an absolute giant.
Tina McDevitt(Marley)
August 12, 2013
To the Burns Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of this Great Man and Father. When I think of my swimming career my first thoughts and memories are always of Coach Burns at BSC. I am always telling my five children about my favorite coach and how he used to argue with me and call me the Commish. I rememeber how he used to send David into the pool after me but Dave could never catch me. He was the best coach and the best man I will ever have the good fortune of having known. he was always there for me and I loved him as a coach and mentor. Thank you Coach for all the great memories!God Bless You and Your Family.
Patti Conn
August 12, 2013
I Treasure my memories of being on the swim team at Briarcliffe with Bob Burns as my coach. My thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and all those who's life he touched
August 12, 2013
Coach Burns you were an inspiration to all of my Children and countless others in our neighborhood you are truly a Great Man, God Bless You and your Family, Fran Dougherty
Ray Prior
August 12, 2013
It is with a heavy heart that I remember a man that helped so many. As a child, Mr. B was one of the people that helped me understand consistent effort over time will produce results. Not just in swimming, but in life. Thanks Mr. B.
August 12, 2013
To the Burns Family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Take care. The Meimbresse's and the Hansen's
Dirk Delgrego
August 11, 2013
Bob and I coached together at the Y. I learned so much from him about coaching, swimming and life. God Bless the family, a good man has passed
My prayers and condolences
Dirk
Joseph Turrisi
August 11, 2013
God Bless the Burns Family , my brother & I swam for BSC for many years ,,,as a part of practice coach Burns would make me drag him the length of the pool to make me swim faster ....
Tom Gormley
August 11, 2013
To the Burns Family,
I can't begin to express my heartfelt sorrow for the loss of a great man! My childhood memories revolve around a man who meant so much to so many people. The memories of pulling Mr. B. in the water, throwing him in the pool, and being the recipient of his stern looks and loving hugs, are forever in my soul. You taught so much more than swimming and sportsmanship. Thanks for being my coach, mentor, and friend. I will always look up to you as a true example of goodness. Peace be with you.
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Burns's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Burns
How to support Robert's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Burns's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
