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Keith Burns Obituary
Keith J. Burns bought his future wife, Jennifer, an engagement ring with a diamond the size of a baseball. And it was worth about as much: the ring was plastic.
"Before he proposed to me, we would always joke around about the ring," Mrs. Burns recalled. "So he bought this huge plastic diamond ring. It was bigger than my whole wrist." She didn't mind — he had introduced her to his big thinking on their first date, which included two Broadway shows and a Rangers game on her first weekend in the city. For Mr. Burns, who worked in ticketing for Cantor Fitzgerald, there was no such thing as a small occasion.
Though he had recently made the switch from ticketing to equities, Mr. Burns, of East Rutherford, N.J., never lost his zeal for gift giving or for surprises, said his twin sister, Colleen Cooper. At 39, he was still a prankster. His young nephew, expecting an extravagant gift from his favorite uncle, instead received a bunch of balloons — in which Mr. Burns had painstakingly hidden five $20 bills. Years ago, at a going-away party on the eve of his move to Hawaii, Mr. Burns greeted his five siblings with a bag full of freshly cut coconuts. "He always thought big," said Ms. Cooper. "It was never just ordinary."
Case in point: the Keith Burns upgrade. "He used to bring extra tickets to the Rangers game, and he would find a father and a son, or a father and a daughter sitting in the 400 section, the nosebleed seats," recalled his brother, Michael. "And he'd say, `Mike, I'll be right back.' " With his tickets, Mr. Burns would bring the lucky pair down to the 100 section, where there was waiter service, the works. "It made him happy, to do that," his brother said.
Oh, and of course Mrs. Burns eventually got a real ring.
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Kate Barbieri
September 11, 2024
Another year but you've got your mom and dad and cousin Kevin with you now. Not a day passes that you aren't remembered with that smile and laughter. You are missed Keith.
Ruth Seraphin
September 11, 2021
God bless you and your family, your sacrifice will always be remembered.
Kate Barbieri
September 10, 2021
Twenty years and 39 in eternity. Remembering the little guy with the goofy smile and giggly laugh at Aunt Winnie's and Uncle Bernie's house in Bloomfield.
Cindy Roe
September 3, 2021
Remembering Keith on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
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Jackie Ennis Sutton
September 12, 2018
Thinking of you.
Kate
September 11, 2018
It doesn't have to be this day to say you are thought of and remembered with love.
Del Newberry
September 11, 2018
Wow, 17 years have passed since this dreadful attack where so many good people were lost. And yet, as I read stories about wonderful people like Keith, it shows me that the kindness he exhibited to strangers is a lesson that is still being learned, and we can thank him for his continuing legacy.
My heart breaks for the many friends and family of Keith. He left this world at way too far of an early age, and I know that the pain never goes away. I pray today for God to especially bless you all in a special way.
With much love from Texas,
mary sermon
October 26, 2016
After 15 years, today I went to visit where the towers once stood high . Now they are pools of cascading waters with all the names of the people that perished on that horrible day.
Looked up the name on the monitor to locate Keith James Burns, his picture came up the familiar smile the one I used to see back in the days of American Tickets at the Sheraton N.Y.
Spent a few minutes in front of N 28 where his name is engraved and just before leaving I filmed the surruonding area.
Bless you
Jackie Ennis Sutton
September 10, 2016
Thinking of Keith and the Burns family today.
Kristin Brooks
December 23, 2014
With love and wonderful memories of Michael's little brother, my heart is with the Burns family during the holidays.
September 11, 2014
You are remembered , today and always. May The Lord bless and keep your loved ones. We will never forget
Jackie Ennis-Sutton
September 11, 2014
Thinking of Keith and his family today...
Mitch Ellicott
September 13, 2013
Well it's been 12 years since the cowards took you and 2976 of our fellow Americans and the fight continues to this day. But what I have seen is how much your family misses you and gets together every year to remember and tell stories to the younger children of how funny you were and what a great person you were. I always will remember the get togethers and going out and having fun. May you rest in peace and we will always carry you with us in our hearts. See you on the other side
Mark Musilli
September 11, 2013
Keith - you are never forgotten my friend. Your friendship, endless practical jokes and infectious smile are never far away.
Jackie Ennis-Sutton
September 11, 2013
Thinking of the Burns family today. Each year on this date I tell my history students at High Point about Keith.
Barbara Boam
July 13, 2013
I walked a mile for you (mile #282) on 6/11/13 as a dedication to your life.
April 25, 2012
To The Family,
As much as we would like to forget the terrible day of 9/11, the pain and hurt lives on. I did not know Mr. Keith James Burns but, I would like to extend my deepest expressions of sympathy to you concerning the loss of your loved one.
Sincerely,
Mr. Terry of NC
Scot Tobias
September 12, 2011
I did business with Kieth in tickets. He was a true gentleman. My heart goes out to the family.
Bob Pfeil
September 11, 2011
On the eve of September 11, my thoughts and prayers go out to the Burns family.
(Ranger Bob).
September 8, 2011
It's been almost 10 years since that horrendous day. I can still picture that laughing little boy so many years ago....as Mike and Kevin threw the bouncy ball up on Uncle Bernie's garage roof and it came down and landed on your head. You always laughed no matter what, almost as if there was nothing in life not to be laughed at. Except if any of us ventured into Aunt Winnie's tomato garden behind the garage...big mistake!!! You were a jolly baby, a funny kid and even funnier as a man! I will always remember your smile and you are forever young and smiling in my dreams. The day will be painful and I don't really care to face it, but I know you wouldn't want us to be sad. We all love you and miss you cousin.... Kate
A friend
August 27, 2011
Ten years have passed, yet the pain of your loss is still so fresh. What an impact you made on so many others. May your zest for life, laughter and genuine kindness live on in the lives of those you left behind. May your family find comfort in knowing you were so special to so very many.
September 12, 2010
May you rest in peace, and may your family find comfort in knowing you touched so many lives with your great sense of humor and wonderful smile. Though your time on this earth was so very short, the impact you made on our lives will be felt forever.
Mitch Ellicott
September 11, 2010
Keith,
Well made it back home and was able to take your Nephews to Ground Zero for the first time. They wore your picture and had a lot of questions. On the way home they remember what a jokester you were and how you joked around with them and how you took them to the circus. Everyone misses you. I told you my kids would never forget you! Also we saw you are immortalized at the WTC Memorial with your picture. For those reading its panel #3 at the top. See you someday on the other side.
Mitch
Jim Chandler
September 11, 2009
I went to high school with Keith's brother Mike. Great guys, always laughing and joking. I cannot picture Keith in my mind without that big grin.
Eight years ago, God took you home. Most likely to entertain the angels.
God bless all the Burns family and friends.
Mitch Ellicott
July 26, 2009
Well Keith, this will be the first year I am going to miss going to ground zero and listening for your name and all of the others who were lost there. I have a represenative going in my place this year because of my deployment, but I have Old Glory being flown over my base on Sept.11th in honor of you which I will be able to bring back home and place with the rest of the things we have to remember you by. I know you prob. think I'm crazy for re-enlisting and now I find myself over here...but I did it because I do not want another family to suffer the loss that your family has. My children will never forget their Uncle Keith. Rest in peace
Diane Burns-Shepherd
September 11, 2008
Seven years~can't believe it, it feels like yesterday. You are in our thoughts each day. We live for each day...just like you did. Rest in Peace my crazy brother...I miss you lots!
Doug Abraham
June 6, 2008
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Robert Vanderbush
July 23, 2007
I had the pleasure of going to high school with Keith! We were on the basketball team together. I am very sorry to hear about the loss.
Ilene Sweet-Mindlin
May 22, 2007
Although I did not know him, reading about the loss of such a fun-loving gentle person really touched my heart. His spirit will touch many lives even from Heaven.
Jerry Jones
January 31, 2007
To the Family
We're sorry to hear of your loss. It seems that Keith had a good sense of humor and loving at the same time. The bible mentions at Colossians 3:14 "besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union." Keith showed love not only to family but also to strangers. I send my condolences out to you and your family.
Kristine
October 25, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
September 1, 2006
In remembrance....
Jackie Ennis-Sutton
May 9, 2006
I think about Keith from time to time, and smile. My warmest thoughts to the Burns "kids".
Linda Palecek
September 11, 2004
Today being the 3rd anniversay. I wanted to remember someone who always made me laugh. I think about the '78 prom and our table & how everyone had someone related to them sitting at our table. we had 3 sets of twins.
God bless your family & loved ones. I think of you often
Linda
K. Melaragni
December 16, 2003
Merry 2nd Christmas in Heaven Keith! We will NEVER forget you.
K. Melaragni
September 11, 2003
Two years ago today...we will never forget you Keith and all of the others. I wear your name on my Mercy Band proudly!!
Al Caponigro
September 11, 2003
I first met Keith and his family while growing up in Lake Neepaulin. I can still remember going over to their house with a couple of friends to introduce ourselves. We quickly all formed friendships.
Keith’s Dad used to take all of us kids on many fishing trips. We all had good clean fun growing up, playing baseball, basketball, hiking. Etc.. Looking back, I feel very fortunate to have met Keith and his family. I attribute many of the blessings I have in my life today, from my childhood, being surrounded with such good people.
As sometimes people do, we drifted apart over the years. But the few times I would see Keith, it was like we never lost touch, even if we had spoken for just a few minutes. Very few people are lucky enough to truly have some great friends growing up.
Keith, thank you for being a part my life……..
GOD BLESS,
Al
Al Caponigro (Sussex,N.J)
September 11th 2003
Debbie Marchese Nelson
February 18, 2003
I learned about Keith's death today. Keith, with his wonderful sense of humor, made me smile & laugh all through high school & I feel very sad that he is gone. My condolences to his family, including Mike, Colleen & Maureen.
K Melaragni
December 29, 2002
Merry first Christmas in Heaven Keith!!
Cheryl Dewland
December 8, 2002
May God Bless Keith and grant peace to all who loved him. May sadness give way to smiles - as you remember Keith for the joy that he gave and the love that he showed with his laughter and generosity.
Arleen Marino
October 21, 2002
You were a great guy, who I'm sure is missed by all who knew him. Though I met you as a business contact, you became a friend and were the only person I knew who talked faster than me! I remember the day you came to the Giants game with your brother and showed me your wedding photo. My prayers are with your wife and family.
Helen Greer
September 14, 2002
As a tribute to the victims of September 11, I participated in Tucson's performance of the "Rolling Requiem," (Mozart). We each got a red heart to wear with the name of a victim of the attack. Mine bore the name Keith James Burns. Like so many others, I wanted to get to know the person for whom I sang. I could only get a glimpse of what he was like through the tributes. I wish I could have met him in person and he was here to make me laugh. God Bless you Keith, and your family.
Catherine Hess
September 13, 2002
The last mercy band was the one that I chose, it had Keith Burns engraved on it. Every day I look at that band on my wrist and pray for you and your family. May God be with you and all who love you.
K. Melaragni
September 11, 2002
Still thinking of you Keith and praying for you daily. My mercyband with your name on it is something I treasure!
Shawn B. Doherty
September 11, 2002
Our prayers are always with the Burn's family.
Laura (Palecek) Reilly
September 9, 2002
I think of Keith everyday... I hadn't seen him in years but the thought of not being able to see him again still is so overwhelming. Keith always made me smile. I will never forget that. I pray for you always and I will always keep a special place for you in my heart.
K. Melaragni
September 4, 2002
My prayers continue for you Keith and your family as well. You are enjoying your Heavenly reward! May God continue to bless your family. You will NEVER be forgotten!
Patti Elliott
August 23, 2002
Almost a year has passed - I still think of you every day - "something
always there to remind me" as the song goes...I will always remember the best laughter of all - Baron dancing to "Lady Chatalaine" - I
swear my friend, what a memory..I
still laugh my ass off everytime I think about it...My one wish? A heartfelt "Me ke aloha pumehana,
aloha oi."
Patti Ricker
August 21, 2002
My sister (Helen) told me you died that day - I still can't believe it after 11 months. We just had our 20th High School reunion (High Point Regional class of 1980) and I can not remember if you were there. It would have been great to see you after all these years and meet your wife. You will be greatly missed. I pray for you and your family and friends. I heard of your charity and the love of your friends and family - God greeted you with open arms that day.
Brenda Canizares
June 6, 2002
Keith had his own sense of humor especially at work. Though I got to work with Keith for over a year, he definitely made me laugh. I cherish those memories. May you rest in peace as well as the others that I knew at Cantor. Never will you be fogotten.
Angie Campbell
April 22, 2002
Rest in peace and may God Bless you and all of the ones that you left behind on 9/11/01.
Mitch Ellicott
March 25, 2002
To my Brother-in-law,
I remember the first time I met you..you were a character...always that little grin when you were busting my chops and your laugh. I will miss those times and the huge family get togethers at the holidays when we had "our " chats. I will always get a laugh when I remember your time playing in the band when we used to see you play.You are sadly missed by all and my daughter will never forget who her godfather was. Rest in peace Bro.
Kathy Melaragni
March 5, 2002
I too, have a mercy band with Keith's name on it. I will pray for him daily and remember his family too. I would love to know more about Keith if at all possible. Feel free to e-mail with anything. Thinking of you always Keith...til we all meet again!!
Cynthia Bridgman
February 26, 2002
Around my wrist I wear a band of sterling as a reminder of your life.
The life of a stranger that I pray for and send love and light to those who mourn your loss...
God grant you peaceful rest Keith, and abundant love on your journey home.
Lisa Carriera (Premock)
January 9, 2002
I will always remember your laughter, and your smile. I will always cherish the fun and laughs I had with the Burns Crew.
Teresa Jahn
January 7, 2002
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
December 12, 2001
MAY GOD BLESS KEITH JAMES BURNS AND
MAY HE REST IN PEACE.GOD BLESS HIS
FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA
AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Musser Hall @Ursinus College
December 5, 2001
We just wanted to give our sympathies and let you know that you are not alone during this time of tragedy. May God be with you, and we wish you to have a Merry Christmas! You will never be forgotten!!
Patti Buechner
November 12, 2001
You will be missed, my friend. I'll always remember the fun in Hawaii!
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