Pliny N. Burrows

BRATTLEBORO -- Centre Congregational Church on Main Street was filled Sunday afternoon for a memorial service to honor and celebrate the life of Pliny N. Burrows.

Officiating was the Rev. Fred Edmonds, pastor of Centre Church, who opened the services with words of welcome and opening remarks.

Music for the service was under the direction of church organist Christopher Lewis, who played a selection of prelude hymns by Bach that included “Prelude in E,” “God's Time is Best,” “Fugue in E,” and “When in the Hour of Utmost Need.”

Opening hymn sung by the congregation was “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.”

Rev. Edmond offered the invocational prayer which was followed by soloist Margery McCrum singing, “Ave Maria.”

The first scripture reading from Psalm 100 was read by granddaughter Amy Sullivan. The second reading, Psalm 23, was offered by Margaret Sullivan, also a granddaughter. Psalm 121 was read by Shayna Appel, Christian Education director at Centre Church.

The Gospel reading from John 13:34-35; 14:15-19 was offered by Rev. Edmonds, who then gave the meditation speaking of Mr. Burrows as a man who loved Brattleboro and a man whom Brattleboro loved.

Special tributes and words of remembrance were offered by George Haynes of Brattleboro Savings & Loan, who spoke of the impact Mr. Burrows had on his life and the excellence wisdom and guidance Mr. Burrows offered throughout his many years of involvement with the institution.

Other memories were shared by Robert Johnson, who spoke of Mr. Burrows' long and dedicated civic involvement and his generous and giving spirit. He referred to Pliny Burrows as “Mr. Brattleboro.”

Johnson said Mr. Burrows was one of the youngest in the nation to become a American Legion post commander, and spoke of his dedicated service with so many Brattleboro organizations and committees.

Timothy O'Connor Jr. paid tribute to Mr. Burrows for his vitality for life, his courtesy and his charm and wit that made him a friend to everyone.

O'Connor spoke of Burrows as a successful merchant, a man who was straightforward in the New England tradition and a man who never forgot his modest beginnings and always remembered his roots.

Those attending joined in reciting the Lord's Prayer, followed by the singing of the closing hymn, “Breathe on Me, Breath of God.”

Rev. Edmonds led the final commendation, which was followed by “Amazing Grace” sung a cappella by McCrum.

The service closed with Rev. Edmonds giving the benediction, which was followed by the organ postlude “Fantasia in C.”

A reception followed at the American Legion on Linden Street.

Serving as ushers at the service were Guy Brunton, Charles Gorsuch, Francis “Buddy” Speno, William Bedard, Ted Grant and Stanley “Pal” Borofsky.

Forming an honor guard in front of Centre Church prior to and following the services were members and officers from Brattleboro Fire Department.

Parked at curbside in front of the church was Brattleboro Engine 6, a 1965 Maxim adorned with ceremonial bunting.

Committal services preceded the church service, held in Meetinghouse Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Burrow's flag-draped casket was transported from the funeral home to Meetinghouse Hill aboard Engine 6. The cortege was led by Brattleboro Fire Chief David Emery flanked by members of the department.

Members of the Brattleboro Fire Department and military personnel formed an honor guard at the cemetery.

Rev. Edmonds offered the committal prayers and final blessing. The gathering of family and close personal friends joined in reciting the Lord's Prayer.

Full military honors were accorded the World War II veteran by members of the American Legion Post 5 and VFW Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034 joint memorial unit, under the direction of commander David Wright, who gave the memorial presentation.

Chaplain Robert Johnson gave the committal prayers, followed by the folding of the American flag by Herb Meyer and Ed Curtiss. The flag was presented to Mr. Burrow's wife, Frances, by Wright.

A Bible in a cedar case was also presented to Mrs. Burrows by Robert Wormer of the VFW. Volleys were fired by the rifle team under the direction of Meyer consisting of John Nebelski Sr., Ed Sprague, Wormer and Curtiss.

Displaying the colors was Randy Frechette. Taps were sounded by bugler Richard Guthrie.

The committal services concluded with the placing of a rose on top of the casket by members of the Burrows family and close friends.

Serving as pallbearers were Richard Burrows, a brother, Ryan Miller, a grandson, Kevin Gragen and James Sullivan, both sons-in-law, and David Emery.

Saturday evening at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home, officers and members of Brattleboro Fire Department conducted a memorial service prior to the start of the calling hours. Chief Emery led the service and recited the Fireman's Prayer which was followed by the playing of “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.

Attending both the visitation and services were delegations representing Brattleboro area retail merchants, Brattleboro Savings & Loan, Brattleboro High School, Class of 1941, Brattleboro Elks Lodge #1499, Brattleboro Lodge #102 F&AM, Cairo Shrine Temple, Brattleboro town offices, Brattleboro Winter Carnival members past and present, Brattleboro Outing Club, Holton Home, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital administrative and medical staff and the Brattleboro Historical Society.

Mr. Burrows, 81, of Green Meadow in Brattleboro, a lifelong resident of town and longtime merchant, died Sept. 2 at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.

Arrangements were under the direction of the ATAMANIUK FUNERAL HOME.u