Kenneth F. Burns

Kenneth F. Burns, 69, of Shrewsbury died peacefully Tuesday September 27, 2016 at home surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 29 years, Maryellen (Kennedy) Burns, His four beloved children, Alysa Lofstrom and her husband David of Kingston, Kenneth Burns and his wife Gaby of Worcester, Bridget Burns and her boyfriend Joseph Kelly of Worcester, and Molly Gonet and her husband AJ Gonet of Shrewsbury. Ken also leaves his five grandsons, Benjamin, Luke, Jacob, Ethan and Caleb whom he adored more than anything. He also leaves his brother William Burns of Nevada and a sister in law Elaine Burns. Ken also leaves many loving relatives and friends. Kenneth was predeceased by a brother James H. Burns Jr. Kenneth was born in Worcester son of the late James H. Burns Sr. and Muriel (King) Burns and lived in Worcester many years before moving to Shrewsbury. He attended South High School and Leicester Junior (Becker) College where he was an avid Basketball player and was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1968 and was proud to serve his country during the Vietnam War in the 101st Air Borne Division as a Medic. Kenneth was a recipient of a Bronze Star for his service. He was a member of the Church of St. Anne, and was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans. Ken retired in 2007 after working 35 years for the United States Postal Service. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and friends, especially his grandsons and granddogs. He was a sports fanatic and also enjoyed the beach, and family vacations to Maine and Rhode Island. Kenneth will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Kenneth’s funeral will be held on Saturday October 1, 2016 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM in the Church of St. Anne 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. Calling hours will be held on Friday evening from 5:00PM to 7:00PM in the funeral home. Interment will be in St Johns Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Veteran’s Inc. 69 Grove St. Worcester, MA. 01605. To leave an expression of condolence or share a special memory of Kenneth please visit his memorial site at mercadantefuneral.com