Ted (Edward Joseph) Burns, Jr.

Ted (Edward Joseph) Burns, Jr. passed away peacefully at home in Glocester, Rhode Island, with his wife and children lovingly by his side on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at the age of 69 after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Essie Zuraw Burns, and his children Cailie Burns and husband, Steve Munroe of Norwalk, Connecticut, and Colin Burns and his wife, Shamone, and his granddaughter, Savannah of Brockton, Massachusetts, and his canine companion, Luna. Ted was born Edward Joseph Burns, Jr. on December 24, 1953 to Eleanor and Edward Burns, and from his earliest days was known as Teddy and later Ted, a nickname given by his father. He lived in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, throughout his childhood and attended Saint Raphael Academy and then the University of Rhode Island where he studied environmental science. He dedicated his career to serving the State of Rhode Island and the Department of Environmental Management, Office of Air Resources. Early in his life, Ted discovered a love of being active outdoors. He enjoyed skiing, sailing in New England waters and the beautiful turquoise Caribbean Sea, playing tennis with his friends and Cailie, kayaking with Essie, hiking with friends, and fishing with his brothers. Ted was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but he had an enormous heart and found joy in life. His bright blue eyes and megawatt smile would light up when surrounded by family and friends while enjoying a craft beer, a Patriots game or taking in a live concert. He was kind, clever, and had a fun spirited soul. Always loving a party and never needing an excuse to have a good time, Ted’s stories are some of the most amazing most people would ever hear. Travel was always an interest of his and he was fortunate to adventure with his family. He and Essie found a sense of peace when visiting Sedona, Arizona, and he rocked out to incredible playlists while driving the Pacific Highway from Washington State to San Diego, California. Visits to Vermont were some of his favorites, and most recently he saw orca whales while exploring Kenai Fjords National Park and served as co-pilot on a glacier landing flight in Denali National Park. Ted cared so deeply for the people around him. From coaching recreational soccer and basketball to the Ponaganset High School women’s tennis team for a decade, and watching Cailie and Colin succeed in their respective athletic endeavors, he was champion for so many. His pride shined brightly when sharing in the accomplishments of his children and his beloved granddaughter. He will be remembered for all the heart which he shared with his friends and family. Ted leaves his mother, Eleanor Burns of Dighton, Massachusetts. He also leaves his siblings: Alan Burns, David Burns, AnneMarie (Burns) Murphy, Suzanne (Burns) Connors, and Michael Burns; his Zuraw family in-law siblings, his Burns in-laws, and many cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Edward Joseph Burns. The Burns family is deeply grateful for the kindness of friends near and far, and to HopeHealth for their care in his last weeks. The staff was incredible and Essie, Cailie and Colin are forever thankful. Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Wednesday, June 7 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Winfield & Sons Funeral Home, 571 West Greenville Road, Scituate, RI 02857. Ted will be honored in a celebration of life on June 24. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate gifts to support glioblastoma research through the Ted Burns Memorial Fund for Cancer Research (https://go.brown.edu/TedBurnsMemorialGifts) or HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.

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Ted (Edward Joseph) Burns, Jr.

May 28, 2023