Martin V. Burrows Sr.

Martin Vernal Burrows Sr., 85, of Riverhead, NY was born on August 30, 1939, to Edwin and Gertrude Burrows in Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera, Bahamas. He passed away on October 17, 2024, at Peconic Bay Medical Center, Riverhead. 

While Martin worked at a Title company at the Riverhead County Center, he also worked evenings at Carl and Bob’s on Main St., One day, Constance Toliver came in to shop a gift for her Dad, he introduced himself and they immediately became smitten with each other. Martin married “Connie” on August 29th, 1964, they were together for 50 years. From this union came two children, Martin V. Burrows Jr. and Carla Burrows (Brown).

Martin grew up in a very large, loving family with 14 siblings, he was the eldest son. He learned and developed strong family values that he carried with him throughout his life. Martin started and finished High School at Northwestern High, Florida. After graduating from Farmingdale state university, he built a successful career as an auditor at prominent defense companies, Eaton Corporation AIL Division, Fairchild Republic and BAE Systems. He also supplemented his income by running his own janitorial company called Burrows Maintenance Service.

Known affectionately as the "Camera man, and “Boba Vern", Martin had a passion for photography and documenting life's precious moments. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, and he particularly treasured his relationships with his children and siblings. 

Martin served his community in multiple capacities, including a mentor in a Riverhead High Program called UpperBound, A member of the American Society of Quality in Long Island, the Bahamian American Association, and an Elections Inspector for the Suffolk County Board of Elections for many years. Martin was an active member of the Rotary for 15 years, serving on the Board of Directors from 2014-2016, and a district photographer. He was also a dedicated member of St. Marks Church, Westhampton Beach, who served as an usher, and on the vestry.

Martin was predeceased by his beloved wife, Constance Burrows, brother; Nigel, sisters; Madeline, Bessie, Ann, Rosemary and niece; Juanita. He is survived by his children: Jarred Jiggetts, Martin Vernal Burrows Jr., and Carla Brown (Donald); and his grandchildren: Alexandra Lee Jiggetts and Oluwafemi Burrows. He is also survived by his brothers, John and James (Rhonda) Burrows of Nassau, Bahamas; sisters, Shirley Burrows, Marion (Derrick) Sands, Lilly Burrows, Kathy Burrows, Joyce Colebrooke and Audrey Burrows, all of Nassau or Governor's Harbour, Bahamas. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. 

The family will receive visitors Friday, November 8, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. at the Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral service will be held at 10:30am. Saturday, November 9, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Westhampton Beach. Interment will take place at Riverhead Cemetery. 

Vernal will be greatly missed by all.