Douglas James Burbo

Douglas James Burbo 85 of Milton Vermont passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the UVM McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, VT, on Friday, May 19, after a short battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Born in Burlington, VT, on April 2, 1938, the son of Joseph and Delia (Bessette) Burbo.
Doug attended Burlington High School (graduated 1958) where he ran track, played baseball, and played football. Through the military, Doug earned a multitude of certifications and attended Vincennes University earning 73 total credits towards his degree.
Doug had a long and distinguished career serving his country with honor, loyalty, and pride. He was admired and respected wherever he went. At the age of 15 he joined the Army National Guard and served full-time active duty in the Army National Guard and the Vermont National Guard. Doug's illustrious career spanned 45 years retiring in 1998 with the rank of 1st Sargent in the Army National Guard and Sargent Major in the Vermont National Guard. He was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements approved by Congress and presented by President Clinton.
Doug met the love of his life, Linda Thibault and was happily married for 45 years. Together they enjoyed time with their children and grandchildren, dancing, and traveling with friends. A man of many talents, Doug enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. In his earlier years, he enjoyed bowling, playing league softball, and building and fixing practically anything. In later years, he enjoyed travel, occasional visits to the casino, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. Doug was also a member of the Milton Seniors (Groovy Lunch Bunch) and a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus.
An eternal optimist who felt blessed with his life, Doug proclaimed he was "top of the world" no matter his circumstance or how he was feeling, even through his short time of his illness. He was well loved for his zest for life, wonderful sense of humor, kind and caring nature, and willingness to always lend a hand. He was a social butterfly who seemed to know everyone and he never met a stranger.
For many years, Doug would don his treasured Santa Claus suit spreading holiday cheer and listening to the Christmas wishes of children and seniors alike. So good was his disguise, and so well did he embody the spirit, that his own grandchildren believed they got personal visits from Santa himself. He also had a talent for mimicking bird songs and his grandchildren remember him fondly for it.
Doug will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, husband, and friend. Those who knew him best know that he most cherished the time spent with his family and friends.
Doug is survived by his beloved wife Linda (Thibault) Burbo of Milton, VT, and his three children: Douglas James Burbo II and his spouse Kirsten (Kalkhurst) from Westwood, MA, Shelley Burbo of North Hollywood, CA, and Glendon John Burbo and his spouse Holly (Bombard) of Burlington, VT. His four grandchildren Emily Burbo, Sarah Burbo, Treyvon Gomes, and Elizabeth Burbo. His siblings Kathrine Tobin of Milton, VT, Helen Turhune of Saint Albans, VT, and Victor Burbo and his spouse Debra of Milton, VT. Douglas was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Delia (Bessette), and his siblings Joseph (Dick) Burbo, Walter Burbo, Margret Stevens, Kenneth Burbo, Franklin Burbo, Reggie Burbo, Mary Lemmons, Elizabeth (Betty) Parrot, and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting Hours will be held on May 31, 2023, from 4-7 pm at Ready's Funeral Home, 68 Pinecrest Drive in Essex Junction, VT.
Church services will be held on June 1, 2023, at 1 pm, at Saint John Vianney Church 160 Hinesburg Road, South Burlington, VT. A military Honor Guard Interment to follow behind the church at Resurrection Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriners Hospital or Saint Jude's Children's.