Eugene R. Burris

Eugene (Gene) Robert Burris, 88, of Vineland went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Gene is reunited with his wife of 67 years Penny who predeceased him on August 24, 2025.

He was born on February 7, 1938 to Howard A. & Winifred Burris. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps serving on the USS Intrepid & earning the rank of corporal; proudly served his country for 4 years. After an honorable discharge in 1959 he was an insurance salesman and eventually went on to join the Vineland Police Dept. serving 27 years and retiring at the rank of Sergeant in 1998. Upon retirement Gene & Penny moved to West Va. where they lived until early 2006 when they moved back to Vineland to be near their grandchildren and take care of his mother-in-law. Always one to love traveling they were always planning their next trip. Gene was an avid NY Yankees fan and loved to share his opinion of the game to anyone that would listen.

Gene is predeceased by his loving wife, Penny; his parents; brothers, Ray and Donald; nephew, Dean and niece, Jennifer.

He is survived by five children and their spouses, Bob (Jen) Burris of TN, Sandy (Chris) Owens of SC, Lisa (Ed) Unchis, Bill (Carrie) Burris of Vineland and Kim (Keith) Curtis of AL. Gene is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Lauren (DJ) Start, Whitney (Mitch) Busch both of GA, Emily Burris, Sophie Burris both of TN, Micheal Owens of SC, Hannah Unchis (Brandon Brown) and Holden Unchis of Vineland, SGT First Class Sam (Bri) Benfer of Italy, Jason Hegeman (Coby Leleaux) of Philadelphia, Charlie Burris and Adam Burris both of Vineland. Andrew (Alexzandria) Yearicks of Millville; 9 great-grandchildren, Easton and Rowan Start, Emmit, Carson and Savannah Busch, Wesley Benfer, Silas, Vivian and Wade Yearicks and a great-granddaughter Linden due in April.

He is also survived by his nephews, Ray Burris and Howard Burris; nieces, Judy Burris, Wendy (Jerry) Pappas, Debbie Anderson and Donna Arnold. His wife's Aunt, Emma Zimmerman, niece and her husband Susanne (Mark) Lombardo. Mark held a special place in dad's heart and for that we are thankful.

Dad is also predeceased by his K9 companion Teddy.

Family and friends will be gathered on Thursday February 26, 2026 at DeMarco – Luisi Funeral Home 2755 S. Lincoln Ave. Vineland, NJ. Law enforcement will be received from 9:30am until 10:00am, a public viewing from 10:00am until 11:30am followed by a funeral service at 11:30am. Burial will be private.