Gary A. Burnett

1939 - 2016

ERVING - Gary A. Burnett, 76, of Erving, died Monday, May 30, 2016, Memorial Day, at home surrounded by his wife and sons, after a courageous battle with cancer. An Erving resident his entire life, Gary was born at home on October 4, 1939, the youngest son of George and Mildred Burnett.
Gary attended Erving Center Primary School and then graduated from New Salem Academy in the class of 1957. Upon graduation, Gary joined the United States Air Force, serving from 1957-1961, proud to follow in the footsteps of his older brothers', Doug and Bill, both WW II veterans, and his father, a WW I veteran.
Returning to Erving, Gary worked for six years at Sears and Roebuck, in Greenfield, before starting what was to become a 35-year career as a carman (or carknocker as the guys in the yard call it) at the Boston and Main Railroad, in East Deerfield, from 1967-2002.
Gary had a long record of service to the Town of Erving, starting with his first passion as a firefighter. Honored as a Lifetime Member, he served for over 50 years, as a firefighter, Captain, Deputy Chief, and then Interim Chief, before retiring from service. He was proud that his two oldest sons, Jason and George, followed him into firefighting, both serving over 20 years and also earning Lifetime Membership. In the 1970's and 1980's Gary coached youth baseball and served on the Recreation Commission and was instrumental in fixing Veterans' Field and Zilinski Field in town, for youth sports. In the 1970's he served on the Erving School Committee, spending time as chairman. From 1991 - 2005 Gary served on the Personnel Relations Review Board. He was currently serving on the Usher Plant Re-use Committee.
Gary is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marilyn (Meattey) Burnett, his son Jason Burnett and his wife Holly, his son George Burnett, his son Mark Burnett and his wife Melanie, grandchildren Emma Burnett, Kate Burnett, Alix Burnett, Jakob Burnett, Dylan Burnett, and Cameron Burnett, all of Erving, two great-grandchildren, Marnie Dupell and Addison Dupell, of Orange, his sister, Lorraine (Burnett) Krock, of Meriden, Ct., and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Mildred, his brothers, Doug and Bill, and a sister, Charlotte (Burnett) Murley.
Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, competing in firemen's musters, and coaching in his younger days. He enjoyed following local college and professional sports, especially the UConn Women's basketball team. His favorite hobby was reading, especially non-fiction World War II books and spending time with his family and dogs.
A supporter of his grandchildren's Relay For Life team over the years, Gary recommended donations be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society. They may be sent to Melanie Burnett, at 25 Swamp Rd., Erving, Ma. 01344.
Calling hours will be Saturday, June 4, 2016, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, followed by a graveside service at the Erving Center Cemetery, Mountain Road and Route 2, at 11 a.m.
Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.
You may offer your sympathy online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com