Peter John Burton Sr.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our father and Poppop, Peter John Burton Sr, who left us on August 22, 2024, after a beautifully lived life. Full of love, laughter, and resilience, he touched the lives of all who knew him. Peter was 90 years old. A distinguished, charismatic, brilliant and soft-spoken gentleman who will be forever remembered for his extraordinary kindness, charm, wit and love for his family and dear friends.
Peter was born on June 27, 1934, in Orange, NJ. Peter graduated from Bloomfield High School and furthered his education at George Washington University where he continued playing football. He left college to serve his country in the Army from 1953 to 1956. Peter dedicated himself to his military duties with vigor and commitment. After his service, Peter worked for the CIA in Washington, DC and that is where, on the metro, he met the love of his life, Joan Adair Gregory. Joan and Pete were married on August 30, 1958.
Peter went on to graduate from New Jersey College of Engineering (NJIT) and embarked upon a remarkable 40-year career with PSEG, where he rose to the prominent position of Director of Transmission and Distribution, applying his engineering expertise to lead and innovate in his field. His academic pursuits laid a strong foundation for his illustrious career. He spent 50 years as a proud Nutleyite, loving his beautiful historic 1800's home, town and community. Peter often spoke of his young summer memories growing up on the beaches in Connecticut and later, summer beach days spent with our great family friends at the Jersey shore. Other than his family, he was most proud to have served his country and earn his engineering degree. Notwithstanding their lack of success, Peter remained a dedicated NY Giants fan. He and his son, Peter Jr, spent countless Sundays cheering for the "hopeful" Giants win.
Despite, his physical challenges with MS in his mid-forties and throughout the remainder of his life, Peter's strength was unprecedented and extraordinary. He never wavered, he never complained. Yet even in certain defeat, this courageous man fought with his last ounce of strength for so many years to overcome his many physical challenges. He proudly embraced his Irish heritage throughout his life. He loved listening to the bagpipes, Barbershop quartets and singing, especially Irish music and Frank Sinatra. His favorite song was "Danny Boy" which in his later years, he sang with his daughter, Kathleen, at least twice every Sunday. His second favorite ditty was "Hey Mister, Have You Met Rosie's Sister?" which he adamantly proclaimed was to replace Silent night as part of the blessing before Christmas dinner each year. If you get a chance, take a listen. It will certainly bring a smile to your face. He (Pop Pop) beamed with pride as he told of his grandchildren's amazing accomplishments.an artistic and talented NYC fashion designer, an intuitive and brilliant engineer to follow his legacy and most recently, his amazing "little lawyer". Even in his last months of life, he continued to offer marriage proposals to his amazing caregivers who blushed with adornment at each proposal. They will forever remember him so fondly.
Peter was the loving patriarch of his family, survived by his son, Peter Burton Jr.; daughter, Kathleen A. Burton-Ullrich; son-in-law and most trusted caregiver, Robert Ullrich; son, Michael Hauck; and grandchildren, Kelsea Adair Ullrich, Taylor Gregory Ullrich, and Mikayla Elisabeth Ullrich. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 35 years, Joan Adair Burton; parents, Helen Burton (Hallisey) and Francis Calvin Burton; and siblings, Donald Burton, MaryJane Buhler, and Patricia MacQuesten.
A brief ceremonial celebration of Peter's life will be held at Grace Church, 200 Highfield Lane, Nutley, on September 11th, 2024, at 4:00 pm immediately followed by visitation with the Burton family in Grace Church Hall from 4:30-6:00pm (North Road entrance).
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Peter can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at https://www.nationalmssociety.org.
Peter's legacy of integrity, dedication, and charisma will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.