Daniel L. Burbank

Daniel L. Burbank
On December 9, 2024, Daniel ("Dan") L. Burbank passed peacefully away after a long illness.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather and son, Dan lived his life with compassion, service, integrity and love.
Dan leaves his cherished wife Joan (Guzy) Burbank, son Daniel C. Burbank, daughter Suzanne (Burbank) Blinkinsop, and son-in-law Tom Blinkinsop. He also leaves his two beloved grandchildren Emily L. Burbank and Daniel I. Burbank and innumerable cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his mother Dorothea (Pez) Burbank and father Daniel L. Burbank.
Dan was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1935 and was a career teacher and school administrator with the state of Connecticut's vocational technical school system.
A man of deep faith, Dan spent years with the Knights of Columbus in Tolland, CT, where he attained the honor of Fourth Degree and Grand Knight. He also was a Eucharistic Minister and taught prospective parishioners of Saint Matthew Catholic Church in Tolland through the RCIA program.
Dan continued his service and teaching in the community through Habitat for Humanity, teaching Safe Boating courses with the Power Squadron and serving the town as a member of the Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.).
An avid amateur radio operator ("Ham"), Dan touched the lives of thousands of fellow Hams across the country and the world, many of whom became lifelong friends. Even those Hams too geographically remote to meet in person still became dear friends and colleagues.
His love of the outdoors was expressed through his time as a ski instructor, fisherman, camper, and sailor. Though he began those pursuits as a young man, he continued many of them well into his 80's. Dan also spent years singing as a member of the "Note-ables" at the Tolland Senior Center.
Dan served in the US Navy Reserve for 12 years as a radarman, which was a source of pride for him.
A wake celebrating his life will be held at Tolland Memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday December 17, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A funeral Mass and reception will follow at St Matthew Catholic Church in Tolland, CT on Wednesday December 18, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Habitat for Humanity or to your favorite charity. For online condolences, please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com