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Peter Burns Obituary

Peter F. Burns, Sr.
Peter F. Burns, Sr., 85, passed away on July 26, 2025, after a brief illness.
Born in Bridgeport, Peter always called Ansonia his home. He lived in his beloved Ansonia for 67 of his 85 years. In 2005, Peter and Pat moved to Milford and thoroughly enjoyed making new friends and watching the sun set from their porch.
Peter is survived by wife of 58 years Patricia (O'Keefe), his two children Patty (Ed Thorndike) and Peter, Jr. grandchild Holly Thorndike, and his sister Irene Brown.
Peter was the son of Irene and Thomas Burns. He was predeceased by his three brothers, Tom, Dick, and Fr. Harry, and his sister, Betty Blanchard. He had so many godchildren that he just assumed he was the godfather to each of his nieces and nephews. He probably was.
Peter was a leader in everything he did. He was captain of the AHS football team, president of his high school class, director of Connecticut Hurricanes Drum Corps, head of Ansonia Redevelopment, president of the Assumption Church Parish Council, and Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development for the state of Connecticut. He had worked for DeCarlo and Doll/Luchs since 1987.
Peter Burns was the man who never retired.
Peter Burns was incredibly outgoing and loved nothing more than being with friends, sharing laughs, watching a game, and even trading a little gossip.
Peter's family would like to thank the staff of Milford Hospital 3 South, and especially Bryan and Andrea for their compassionate care.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Agnes Church in Milford at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025. There are no calling hours. Please wear laid-back summer attire to celebrate this great life.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall at https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/49152/donations/new?amt=120.00

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register on Jul. 29, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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George and Pam Ganim

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William Rivard

August 1, 2025

Heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Burns, Pete, Patty and family - was very glad to chat with Peter at an Ansonia Thanksgiving game not long ago - his civic pride and Charger spirit were among the very best around - feel lucky to have known him

Bob And Kathy Whelan

August 1, 2025

Dear Patty, please accept our most heartfelt condolences. We will miss Peter.
The Whelans
Kathy, Bob, Joel and Debbie

Single Memorial Tree

The Donofrio-Villalobos Family

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Karen & Michael Amici

July 31, 2025

We are honored to have met Peter, a great guy and a true gentleman. I will miss speaking with him and listening to his stories. Our sincere sympathy to Pat and family. May Peter rest in peace and everlasting light always shine upon him.

Mary Barone

July 31, 2025

Mrs Burns,Patty and Peter Jr. am so sorry for your loss. I have many happy memories of Mr Burns from babysittng Patty and Peter when they were little, your friendship with my parents and attending my wedding. Then years later bumping into you in Chatham while on summer vacations.


my wedding and bumping into you in Chatham while on summer vacations

Michael Eheman

July 30, 2025

I am so so sorry for the loss of Mr. Burns. Mrs. Burns, Patty and (Pete) my deepest condolences Mr. and Mrs. Burns were like a second set of parents during my grammar school years. I was just talking to him at the ground breaking at Nolan Field project. He was a Fantastic man

Richard Brozek

July 29, 2025

Peter was a Teamate of mine on the Ansonia High School Football team. As a halfback he was could always be counted on to get that first down when it was needed. Rest In Peace teamate.

John Fisher

July 29, 2025

I had the privilege of marching with Pete in the Hurricanes. He was an affable hard driving force as our director. I think he just excelled at life. Rest easy Peter

West Palm Beach

July 29, 2025

So sorry to hear of Pete's passing
My condolences to his family. I had the pleasure to march with Pete in the Conn. Hurricanes when we won our first National championship. Always a stand up guy. RIP Pet

Nancy & Rich Spreyer

July 29, 2025

We met Peter late in life but developed a great friendship which we hoped to enjoy much longer. Our sincere sympathy to Pat, Patty, Peter and Holly. RIP our friend...you will be so missed.

Deborah Keefe

July 29, 2025

Condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Burns. Remember him fondly. Debbie & Rob Keefe and Gary Gould

Patty Eheman Fragola

July 29, 2025

My condolences to the Burns family on the passing of a great guy.New him from the neighborhood in Ansonia.May he rest in peace.

Arthur Hlywa

July 29, 2025

I marched with Pete in the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps when we won our first champhionship. He was one of the original founding fathers of the Drum Corps Associates. May he rest in peace! WPTOT!!!

Sharon Kiley

July 29, 2025

My deepest sympathy to Mrs Burns, Pete and Pat. We will always have fond memories of the Christmas Eves at your beautiful home in Ansonia. Those were great times we will never forget.

Gary Hale

July 29, 2025

My sincerest condolences to Patty, Peter Jr., and Patty for the loss of this wonderful husband, father, and man. My late father, Lester Hale, introduced me to Peter when I was a young kid, and I have admired and enjoyed his friendship ever since. Full of energy and good nature, he could also impart wisdom and serious advice. I never once saw Peter where we didn't talk about our hometown or our NY Yankees. His contributions to Ansonia and the state are immeasurable and reflect a legacy of contribution to others that he learned growing up. Like his beautiful family, I will miss him greatly. May God bless you, Peter. Well done.

john erlingheuser

July 29, 2025

I just want to say that words cannot express how I felt about Mr. B. He was always so kind and generous to me, even when I did not deserve it. I have to many amazing memories to share here. I will never forget him and all he did for me over the years. My deepest condolences to all the Burns family.

Jimmy Ryan

July 29, 2025

Heartfelt condolences to Patty, Peter, Patty, and Holly. How he adored his family! Peter was a one of a kind who brought his energy, talent, vision, and passion to whatever he was involved in. There are few that could match his record of accomplishment, in Ansonia, the Valley, Connecticut and beyond. He was man of honor who may be gone but will never be forgotten! He truly was loved by all!

Tom Clifford

July 28, 2025

Peter was one of those who possessed an instant can do Spirit. And yes, a natural leader. Proud of his heritage, community
and family. And a peerless raconteur. Seemed there wasn't anyone in Connecticut economic
development he didn't know.
His wit and humor lasted long after.
Next time I'm at Long Island Sound, I'll skim a stone upon its waters. Thanks!

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Memorial Events
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Aug

1

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

St. Agnes Church

Milford,

Funeral services provided by:

Dennis & D'Arcy Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Homes - Stratford

2611 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615

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