Brian D. Burns

AGE: 66 • Randolph

Brian D. Burns, 66, of Randolph, passed away on January 9, 2015. Brian grew up in Livingston; he attended New York University, where he graduated summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and Rutgers Law School, where he was an editor of the Law Review. A practicing attorney for nearly 40 years, Brian began his law career in 1975 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, and, for over 30 years, ran his own successful municipal land use and real estate law practice in Florham Park. During his career, he earned numerous professional awards, including the prestigious William M. Cox award for excellence in land use law. Brian also served as a Eucharistic minister at St. Matthew's Catholic church. Brian was a devoted husband, father, brother, and uncle, an avid surfer, and an innovative exercise enthusiast. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Sarah (Cassidy), and children, Brian T. Burns and his wife Katelin, Katie Brody and her husband Craig, and Tim Burns. He was the brother of Kathy Schrader, Joan Decelles, and the late Alan Burns. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities USA, P.O. Box 17066, Baltimore, MD 21297-1066, http://catholiccharitiesusa.org. Visitation is at the Leonardis Memorial Home, 210 Ridgedale Ave., Florham Park on Friday, January 16 from 3pm-5pm & 7pm-9pm. The funeral mass is on Saturday, January 17, at St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in Randolph at 10:30am. To write a condolence, visit www.LeonardisMemorialHome.com.

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Published by Daily Record on Jan. 15, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Burns

15 Entries

February 3, 2015

Am so very sorry, my prayers, thoughts and love remain with all of you!

Jeffrey Noss

January 21, 2015

My most sincere condolences go out to Brian's Family. As Vice-Chairman of the Florham Park Board of Adjustment and a member for fifteen years, I always enjoyed Brian's professionalism, vigor and passion for the law and his clients. His intellect and ethical spirit will be sorely missed.

Jeffrey B. Noss

January 21, 2015

Sara and family: I was so sad to hear the news of Brian's passing from the Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Alumnae Office. Although its been quite awhile since our families have seen each other, I wanted you to know that I am thinking and praying for the Burns and Cassidy families. Dee Quain Klotz

Denise Brindamour

January 21, 2015

Dear Sarah and family,

We send to you our deepest sympathy on your loss.

Denise, Gallina, and Natalie Brindamour

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Thomas Manzi

January 17, 2015

RIP Brian
My Dear Friend, Mentor, and High School Surfing Buddy!
I will truly miss you !!

Mark Taylor

January 16, 2015

On behalf of the entire Florham Park Boro Council, the Planning Board and Zoning Board, we offer our sincerest and deepest condolences over the loss of Brian. I have worked with many….many land use attorneys in my all most 10 years on the Planning Board in Florham Park, I can honestly say that I always enjoyed meeting with and hearing the case as Brian presented it. This was not a job for Brian it was a passion,and it showed. He will be missed here in Florham Park,our prayers go out to Sarah and Family members and friends that will be at a loss without him.

Mark Taylor
Mayor Boro of Florham Park

Ann Marie Mezzacca-Berlino

January 16, 2015

So very sorry to hear of the passing of Brian. He was a very nice man and a very accomplished attorney. I had the pleasure of working with Brian in my brother Joe Mezzacca's law office for many years. My heart goes out to his wife and his family. A great loss.
Ann Marie Mezzacca Berlino

January 16, 2015

I knew Brian professionally and crossed paths with him on several land use cases, both working as an expert witness with Brian as counsel or having my work reviewed by his team. It was always a pleasure to deal with Brian since he was such a competent and pleasant professional, and always a gentleman. My condolences to the entire family.

Edward Clark, Succasunna, NJ

January 16, 2015

So so sorry to hear this sad news. My sincerest condolences to your entire family.

Stella Freid

Tony Mezzacca

January 15, 2015

To the Burns family, my sincerest and deepest condolences over the loss of Brian. 30 years ago, Brian was one of my fist clients to hire me for my law firm courier/same day delivery service. He was one of the closest contemporaries of my brother, Joseph Mezzacca Jr. who we lost 2 years ago. I know the two of them are now reunited in heaven reviewing the celestial land use laws and fighting the good fight for our Lord! One year ago tonight, as I was recovering from esophageal cancer surgery, Brian and the gang at Burns & Schaffer were so concerned for me, sending well wishes along with an beautiful flower arrangement to perk up my spirits! I will never forget Brian, he was my friend as well as my client. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Tony Mezzacca AM Courier Service, Madison, NJ

January 15, 2015

On behalf of the Florham Park Fire Department retired chief's Jonathan Young and Chief Robert Young we offer our prayer's. He was a great help in proving fire safety features on the projects he represented in the Borough of Florham Park.He will be missed by all.

Glenn Geiger

January 15, 2015

I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Brian's passing. As a colleague of Brian's in the Morris County land use bar for over 30 years before moving in 2009, I dealt with Brian innumerable times. He was always a pleasure to work with, thoroughly professional and knowledgeable, with a consistently engaging personality. He was highly regarded by his peers and will certainly be missed by all. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends for their terrible loss.

Peg & Jim O'Donnell

January 15, 2015

We are very sorry to hear about Brian. Sarah, Brian, Katie and Tim, you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Peg & Jim O'Donnell

January 15, 2015

Condolences to the Burns family. Brian was always a gentleman and very helpful when advice was needed. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Judy Beecher, Former Florham Park Clerk and
Councilwoman
Galloway, NJ

G. Freeman

January 15, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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