William M. Burns

William M. Burns, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband of Barbara A. (Mercurio) Burns for 61 years. Born in Providence, William was the beloved son of the late John Burns and Evelyn (Nickerson) Burns.
Bill was his happiest when he was with his family. He was the definition of an unassuming family man. He loved his friends, family, and sometimes people he just met, with all his heart. From his early days at the Junior Police Camp, to waterskiing with his boat, or being at breakwater village, he "Saw the water first." Kids remember him as the guy who would shake hands goodbye and pretend you weren't letting go. He always made everyone feel special and loved.
A loyal employee of C.J. Fox Company for over 40 years, you'd be hard pressed to find a more beloved and respected supervisor than Bill. He made countless, wonderful memories and enjoyed reliving the moments over and over by telling his stories. An optimist to his core, he believed in each of us wholeheartedly and made us believe in ourselves. He will be missed dearly by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
William is survived by his loving daughters Mrs. Laurie J. Sliney and her husband Dave, Dr. Kathy B. Ewoldt and her husband Matt, and Mrs. Jennifer M. Flynn and her husband Andy; his grandchildren Mary, Kyle and his wife Ann, Kira, Michael, Steven and his fiancé Amber, and Krissy; and his great-granddaughter Madison; his brothers Raymond Burns, Michael Burns, Thomas Burns, and sister Jean (Burns) Geiger. He is predeceased by his brothers John and Robert Burns as well as his sisters Jean Carbone, Joan Conley, Mary Barrett, and Evelyn Burns.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a visitation on Monday, April 8, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00pm in the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 8:30am from the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Paul Church, 30 Warwick Ave, Cranston, RI 02905. Burial will follow in Pawtuxet Memorial Park, Warwick.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's honor may be made to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 N Main St, Providence, RI 02904.