Clinton George "Red" Burnham

Clinton George "Red" Burnham, 89, of Tariffville, beloved husband of Dorothy A. "Dottie" (Stavinsky) Burnham, died Monday, December 31, 2018 at his home, surrounded by family. He was born March 21, 1929 in Plainville, son of the late Clinton Albert and Stacia (Ciecelski) Burnham. He grew up in Newington and moved to New Britain once he married, eventually settling in Tariffville 54 years ago. Red was active with the National Guard while he was working as a sportswriter and photographer for the Hartford Times. His bowling column, "Knock on Wood", ran for over 50 years, first in The Hartford Times and later in The Journal Inquirer. He was president of The Metropolitan Bowling Writer's Association. Red managed Simsbury Lanes and then went on to manage Bradley Bowl in Windsor Locks, where he brought the National PBA Tour with the help of his friend, Ken West. He was very involved with the Rotary Club in East Granby and Windsor Locks, acting as president and receiving the Paul Harris Award from his fellow members. Red's photography skills were also a benefit to The Simsbury Light Opera Company which they used for publicity. Children were always dear to his heart, which he demonstrated throughout his life as a Boy Scout leader when his children were young, serving on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics, and in later years, doting on his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Other hobbies and interests included: fishing, golf, baseball (especially the NY Yankees), and watching the UCONN Girls' Basketball team.

In addition to his loving wife of 67 years, Clinton is survived by his daughter, Donna Bailey of Granby; his son, Clinton Burnham and his wife Mary Ellen Miller of Castle Rock, CO; his sister-in-law, Marge Bargelski of Newington; his sister-in-law, Terry Burnham of Enfield; his brother-in-law Robert Stavinsky and his wife Dorothy of Hartford; his grandchildren, Meghan Wagner and her husband Robert of East Granby and Sarah Huk and her husband Tim of Canton; his great grandchildren, Bailey and Grove Wagner of East Granby; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and an amazing circle of dear friends. He was predeceased by a son, Bret Burnham, a brother, Robert Burnham and his son-in-law, Robert Bailey.

Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Friday, January 4th from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral will be Saturday, January 5th, 9:15 AM from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Church in Simsbury. Burial will follow in St. Bernard's Cemetery in Tariffville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Special Olympics, 1133 19th Street NW, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20036-3604. Please visit Clinton's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.