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Thomas Burns Obituary
He was the loving husband of Susanne "Sue" (Allenby) Burns. Married on July 20, 1968, in Redlands, California, they recently shared their 40th anniversary. He was the loving father of three daughters, Kelly, Liz and Lindsey.
Tom was born in Boston, MA on June 20, 1946; he was the son of the late Leo V. Burns and Kathleen (Quinn) Burns and brother to Leo Burns Jr., Paul Burns and Peter Burns. Growing up in both Dorchester and Canton, MA, Tom was surrounded by many cousins, grandparents and relatives during his childhood. He spent much of his youth involved in sports. He participated in Little League Baseball and especially loved CYO Ice Hockey. He also spent many days working as a caddy and in the pro-shop at the local golf course alongside his brothers.
Tom attended Boston College High School, graduating in 1964. At age 18, he then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he began his 20 year military career allowing him to enjoy his love of travel and his commitment to serving his country. Tom served his country during the Vietnam War. One of his proudest moments was his participation in "Operation Homecoming" on March 16, 1973, bringing home American POW's from Hanoi. He was highly decorated during his military career; however his most notable award was the Meritorious Service Medal for risking his own life in order to rescue a fellow soldier from a burning building. Tom retired in 1984 at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. He enrolled in college at New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with Departmental Honors in Social Science in 1988. He began teaching math at Chaparral Jr. High and then Alamogordo High School in Alamogordo, NM. Besides teaching Math, Tom was a well respected football, cross country and track coach. Moving to Newport, RI in 2001, he continued his teaching and coaching career.
Tom enjoyed the simple things in life, most of all spending time with his family. He enjoyed a good cup of coffee, a crossword puzzle, a Red Sox game and a sunny day at the beach.
In addition to his wife Sue, Tom leaves three loving daughters, Kelly and husband Davie Salas of Las Cruces, NM, Elizabeth and husband Jim Diesing of Portland, OR and Lindsey and husband Steven Montoya of Socorro, NM; five adoring grandchildren Sydney, Thomas, Kyle, Emma, and Megan; brothers Leo Burns, Jr. and wife Liz of Rome, NY, Paul Burns of Brownfield, ME and Peter Burns of Quincy, MA and many nieces, nephews and cousins who held a special place in his heart and his Alamogordo and Middletown High School family and friends who shared his fun-loving spirit and were always there for him. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 28, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Lucy's Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown, RI. A reception will follow at the Parish Hall. Private burial will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tom Burns Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Bank of Newport, attn: Mary Beth Manuel, PO Box 450, Middletown, RI 02842, which will benefit graduating Middletown High School students.
Condolences, information and directions available at www.memorialfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Burns
Bob Williams
July 22, 2022
Even now, my best memories of my time in Alamogordo, is being able to run with Tom in the heat of the late afternoon. Followed with discussions on the porch after.
I appreciated his strength on the hills and and his pace on the flats, was well as the heartfelt discussions. Still miss him.
Van Inman
November 22, 2008
Im so sorry and I just found out today after Talking with a friend in Alamogordo NM. Tom was a awesome guy. He made me smile and laugh. He will be truely missed.
Tracey Louis (Mastic)
August 22, 2008
I was so sorry to hear that Coach Burns passed away. He was such a caring and uplifting person, to his students and athletes alike, and I can only imagine what a wonderful father and husband he was to the Burns family. Your family is in my thoughts.
Deborah Fisher (Miller)
August 16, 2008
Coach Burns is how I knew him and how he will always be remembered in my mind. He was an amazing coach, friend, and teacher. I am thankful to have had him show me what running was and how much it ment for us to cross that finish line. You will always be "First Tiger"
Staci Redden
August 12, 2008
Lindsey,
I am so sorry to hear about the death of your father. I truly thought he was a great great man. I know he touched a lot of people's lives. You and your family and are in my prayers as I know only too well what you are going thru.
Tara and Laura (Shipe) Kroeker and Whitehead
August 9, 2008
The Burns Family,
How my heart and prayers go out to all of you. I know Coach is in a much better place living it up. He had such an impact on Laura and my life and still does. We loved him dearly and love all of you dearly! You all are in our prayers!
Melissa Zorichak
August 9, 2008
I was very sad to hear of "Coach Burns" passing. My heart goes out to his family. He was a great man who truely inspired so many lives...he will be greatly missed. He personally inspired me to continue my education and instilled the importance of education during a very important part of my life. The world would be a far greater place if it had more blessings like Tom Burns.
(Alamogordo High School 1993)
Crystal Rowland
August 8, 2008
I'm so sorry to hear about your father, Liz. I haven't seen you since high school but please know that I'm thinking of you and your family.
Chris Glasheen
August 8, 2008
SMSgt Burns, was my first "1st Sergeant" when I was assigned at Holloman AFB, (10/81 - 12/85). He was truly one of the best SNCO's I have been blessed to work with. He was a gifted mentor to all of the Airmen assigned under his command. He will truly be missed on earth but will still be guiding his family and friends from a higher position.
Diane Bebin
August 7, 2008
To the Burns family,
I knew Tom as my first Shirt at Holoman. He was an old school first shirt. He took care of his people and from the response on this page he continued that into his years at AHS.
I followed Tom into teaching but by the time I got to AHS he had left. He will be missed by all who knew him or ever had occasion to come into contact with him. He made a difference and left his mark.
Bill and Diane Miller
August 7, 2008
To the family: It was a great pleasure to have known Coach Burns throughout the years. He was so great with our daughter, Carol, that she thought of him as a second dad. The encouragement he gave her and the rest of the runners was inspiring. He made a great contribution to the track/cross country program at AHS that he will not soon be forgotten. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this difficult time and may God hold you in his loving arms.
Marta Iloff
August 7, 2008
Our heart-felt condolences to coach Burns' family. He was a great coach and encouraged all his students and athletes that came under him. We will always remember him for cheering all the runners as they participated in the cross-country races. I will always remember the "famous spaghetti nights" during competition's season and how much encouragement and care he showed to his students. He made a difference in the life of many, many people. God bless you and comfort you. The Iloff family.
Thomas Bebin
August 7, 2008
Burns family, I hope you find comfort in all the good Mr. Burns (coach) has left behind. He has helped many people through tough times including myself. Let us remember the things he's taught all of us, and the good times we've had. May God be with you all, and God bless you.
Bill Vernon
August 6, 2008
To the Burns family:
SMSgt Burns was my First Sergeant at Holloman, and in a lot of ways he was like a "Dad" to many of us single airmen living in the dorms and away from home for the first time. I will forever be thankful for what he meant to my personnel and professional life. SMSgt Burns belief in me when I was a young airmen of 18 is still with me today, and has been the biggest influence in my life. My prayers and thoughts are with you Mrs. Burns and your family.
Mary & Max Scott
August 6, 2008
It was a sad day to hear of Tom's passing. He had such a positive impact on all of us who knew him. Tom was an outstanding individual in every sense of the word with a talent for uplifiting everyone he met. His passing is a loss to us all, but his positive influence on our lives will long be remembered. He was an outstanding educator who mentored students and fellow educators to be the best they could be. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Stephen White
August 6, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Tom was a great leader in the classroom and on the field. I learned so much about coaching but even more on how to treat people with respect no matter the circumstances. He is a true friend that will never be forgotten.
Rick Redden
August 5, 2008
Liz and Family, I am so sorry to hear about your family. He was a great man who always treated me with a great deal of respect. I enjoyed working with him on the athletic staff at the high school and the times I was around him as we grew up together.
Fran McCarthy
August 4, 2008
Tom Burns, "Coach Burns" was a great teacher and friend to those who were fortunate enough to work with. I remember our days at AHS, he was a mentor to me as well as a friend. We shared laughs because we both were from "back east". I hope that you can find some comfort in knowing that he brought such joy to so many and he inspired so many too. He was a good man. I am sorry for your loss as well as our loss.
Dale Emmert
August 4, 2008
Tom was a wonderful teacher for whom I had a great deal of admiration. My condolences to the family.
Matt & Christy Eanes
August 4, 2008
Lindsey and family -
We just heard about the passing of Coach Burns and are very saddened. He truly made a difference in so many lives and will never be forgotten. You and your family are in our prayers.
Trenton Oliver
August 4, 2008
To the Family of Thomas "Coach" Burns, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I had Tom as a teacher at A.H.S. He helped me to understand mathematics.... But He was not only my teacher, he was also my friend, and above all , my mentor. I was blessed to know this kind-hearted man. Goodbye "Coach Burns" You are not forgotten.
Michael Wentzel
August 3, 2008
I will never forget Coach Burns from my time in junior high and high school. Coach Burns was always friendly to me and a great motivator in my life. It was part of his influence that inspired me to enlist in the Air Force and to eventually continue on and get my degree/commission at NMSU. He will be missed....
Gary & Carlynn Chapman
August 3, 2008
To the family of Coach Tom Burns, May peace be with you through this very difficult time of your lives. The world has lost a wonderful person and he will truly be missed, not just by us, but by EVERYONE whose lives Coach Burns touched. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tmmy Pappas
August 2, 2008
Coach Burns,
What a true Diamond of a man you were. I'm so glad that my son Dion had you as a coach. You were so wonderful with the kids, not only as a coach, but a friend. You took a sincere interest in them. I will always remember our short visits, you always had time for me. You will be missed. Yes you were " A Diamond of a Man".
Bianca Chavez
August 1, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Courtney Coon
July 31, 2008
Lindsey, Mrs. Burns, Kelly, and Liz,
I am absolutely crushed. He was very dear to me, and I thought of him like a second father. All of you played such an important role in my life, and some of my best memories are times I spent with all of you. Lindsey you are the closest thing I have ever had to a sister. I will always cherish that. I love you all very much and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jenna Alderman (Bird)
July 31, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Coach Burns was a great person and role model. He had such a postive effect on those lives that he touched and he will be missed.
Shawna Vanaman Denney
July 31, 2008
Liz and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Not only did I know him from being close to you in school, but I had the pleasure of working with him at the High School during my first year of teaching, where he always had a smile for me. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Norma Lee
July 31, 2008
To the family of coach Burns, I am sorry for you loss! I enjoyed seeing him everyday at Alamo High. He always made me smile. He did make a difference in my life!
Nina Flores
July 31, 2008
Sue and family-
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Coach Burns made such an impact on so many lives while he taught and coached in Alamo and I was no exception. I have often thought about Coach and how much of an impact he made on my life and who I have become. He was and is an inspiration and blessing in my life.
Phillip Coleman
July 30, 2008
My condolances to the family of Coach burns. He helped me greathly during my high school years. Not only was he a hero, but a friend.
Dorothy Engle
July 30, 2008
My sincerest condolences to the Burns' family. Mr. Burns was my daughter's favorite teacher while she was in high school (Jennifer Tarnow) and he was very helpful to her throughout highschool whenever she was sick. Mr. Burns came up to the hospital and sat by her bedside with her on Christmas Day 1999 for many hours. I hadn't known Mr. Burns before Jen attended AHS but always had that feeling that I had known him for a long time. He was such a blessing and very good to Jen before her passing in 2000. May God bless Coach Burns and his family and help you through such a difficult time. I would like to think that Jen was there to greet him as he entered Heaven!
Ron & Pat Geisheimer
July 29, 2008
Everyone had the greatest respect for Mr. Burns, from the kids he taught and coached as well as his peer teachers and parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family. We were truly blessed to have known him.
Marriya Shelland
July 29, 2008
He was always my gaurdian angel when i was in school and he will now still be my gaurdian angel as I go through life..he was my favorite teacher and will always hold him close to my heart!!! RIP Coach Burns I love ya and respect ya mucho
Emily (Henry) Moore
July 29, 2008
My deepest condolences to the family. Tom was a great Teacher, Coach, and Friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Andrew Geisheimer
July 29, 2008
Here is to an inspiration both on the sidelines, around the golf course and in the class room. Coach Burns your light will shine on through the countless lives you impacted and the knowledge you imparted on so many of us that you came across. My thoughts are prayers are with the family and hopefully there is at least a little comfort in knowing that Tom will always be remembered as one of Alamogordo's Greatest Gifts!
Danielle Meyer
July 29, 2008
Sue, Liz, Kelly, Lindsey--
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you, your families, and of course with Tom. You all were my second family when I was growing up and your dad has, and will always have, a special place in my heart. I will always remember his wonderful smile and kind heart. Much love to you all.
Cinnamon (Hill) Martin
July 29, 2008
Burns Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you--take care of each other!
The Hill and Martin Families
Joseph & Josie Jaramillo
July 28, 2008
Sue, Kelly, Liz, Lindsey and family,
Our most sincere condolences. Tom was a special man, teacher, coach and friend. We appreciate the way he inspired Liz in her running and the way he taught commitment and dedication not only to the sport but to other endeavors in life. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers to you and the family for the months ahead as you feel his loss. Let us know if there is any more we can to help.
Jessica Spoeneman (Rivers)
July 28, 2008
Mr. Burns was a great and wonderful teacher... and friend! He was always my favorite teacher and I have never forgotten him. I am sad to hear of his passing and give my deepest condolences to his family.
Joe Pacheco
July 28, 2008
Kelly, I am so sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts and prayer are with you and your family.
Kathy Bourdon
July 28, 2008
Coach Burns was an extremely important positive influence for my children. He will be missed greatly and I will be eternally grateful to him for guiding my children through Cross Country and making Algebra fun. Sue and family our prayers are with you. THANK YOU TOM! for being part of our lives!
Roberta McLaughlin-Sadler
July 28, 2008
To the families of Tom Burns,
My prayers are with you all at this time. I knew Tom from NMSU-A and Holloman. He loved his girls (this includes you Sue). He was encouraging when studing for a difficult test. May God comfort you thru this time and beyond.
Kenneth Mitchell
July 28, 2008
Coach Burns You will never be forgotten. You influenced my life in so many ways and made me believe that i could do so much more than what i gave myself credit for. You guided us in life, taught us school, and believed in us in track.... you helped mold many boys and girls into men and women. We miss you and we love you so much coach.
Rebecca Knowles
July 28, 2008
Coach Burns-I will never forget you! I didn't have you as a teacher but you ROCKED as a coach. Completely dedicated to the team and all of us as individuals too. My prayers and thoughts are with your family. Much love!!
Joe & Val Hitchcock
July 28, 2008
We were saddened to hear about Coach Burns passing. He was a respected member of the AHS family, both to the staff and to our children. The memory of Tom will live forever in the minds and hearts of the people that knew him.
Joe & Val Hitchcock & family
liz Larcom and Family
July 28, 2008
Mr. Burns was an individual who made you smile and his personality was contagious. He made people feel great! Bless his family during this time. Thank you Mr. Burns for being a part of our lives and for serving our great nation. You will be missed.
Antoine Echols
July 27, 2008
I must say that this man really change my life and turn me in a totally new direction. The Burns family will always be in my heart and prayers. He was a really great person and track coach. I love you Coach Burns and you will be missed. Antoine L Echols A.K.A Turbo
July 27, 2008
Dear Sue, Kelly, Liz and Lindsey,
I was stopped in my tracks when I opened up the local paper this morning. My heart goes out to all of you and the little ones too. Tom liked to run in the heat, so we didn't run together a lot. It was always great to see him at school. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jake and Carol Meyer
Ron and Evelyn Duran
July 27, 2008
Dear Sue and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You and Tom always showed love of you profession and family values. Your impact on the Alamogordo community will be remembered. God Bless you.
July 27, 2008
Susanne and family, so sorry to hear about the loss of Tom. He was always a pleasure to be around. I enjoyed working with him and later got to see both of my girls enjoy a friendship with him as a coach at Alamo High. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Kasey (Harrington) Rahn, Megan Harrington and Jessica (Harrington) Burns.
Angie and Monica Flores
July 27, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bob Williams
July 27, 2008
Dear Sue, Kelly, Liz and Lindsey - Many of my best memories from my time in Alamogordo revolve around Tom and you - his family. He was a valued friend, a tough running partner, and always willing to share the joys of his family when you girls were young. I will always remember foundly when I was a "part" of your family and will hold you all and Tom in my prayers.
God Bless,
Bob Williams
Ruby Beebe
July 27, 2008
Coach Burns... I will never forget you. You were by far my favoritest teacher. =) God bless your family at this time. You will be missed..
Joe Straub
July 27, 2008
Coach Burns is one of my hero's. He gave me an opportunity to grow as young man, and become the person I am today. College Hockey season just won't be the same without him. Thanks for everything Coach
Michael Fowler
July 27, 2008
Sadly, we lost one of our nice guys way too soon. I had the privilege of teaching and coaching with Tom at AHS. He also often made up one of our "foursomes" on the golf courses around Alamo and the surrounding area. Never a threat to challenge Tiger on the tour, Tom never-the-less kept us entertained and often in stitches with his golfing "skills". Heartfelt condolences to the family.
Michael Fowler
Fulton, TX
Mike Casey
July 27, 2008
Mr. Burns,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your years of dedicated service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the USAF-especially during the Vietnam War. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Jacqueline Barker (Bourdon)
July 27, 2008
I'm truly sorry and saddened for your loss. Coach left a major imprint on my life and I'm thankful for every moment of mentorship that he offered. My life was forever changed by his coaching and I can still hear his echo. I pray that God comforts you all in this sad time.
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