Hugh L. Burns

Hugh L. Burns, Sr. of Sun City Center passed away June 23 at Life Pass Hospice. Born in Ansonia, CT on November 7,1927, he moved to Needham, MA in 1956 and worked for the VA for 30 years as a psychiatric social worker. He was a veteran of both WW II and Korea and graduated from Northeastern U and Boston College School of Social Work. He and his wife Betty retired to Sun City in 1987 where, despite failing health, he remained active in numerous civic, religious and social organizations right up to his death. He was Past President of SCC Lawn Bowlers Assoc, served on Security Patrol, member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and sat on the HHJsborough NAB for juvenile justice. A long time member of Prince of Peace RC Church, he was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and 1995 recipient of the KofC Family of the Year. He sang in the choir, served as Eucharistic minister and was Respect Life chairman for Parish and Deanery. In 2002 he set up an interfaith dialogue among Christians, Muslims and Jews to foster understanding. He formed the first Tampa Bay chapter of Voice of the Faithful in response to the abuse scandal in the Church. For 20 years he volunteered at Hillsborough Correctional in Balm. In 2009 the prison named the rose garden he initiated the "Hugh Burns Meditation Garden." In 2009 Bay News 9 gave him the " Every Day Hero" award. Married for 61 years, he is survived by his wife Betty , son Rev Hugh Burns, OP, of Pleasantville, NY, daughters Betsy Burns ofSCC and Auburndale and Ellen and son-in-law Christopher Avola of West Palm Beach. He took great joy in his role as mentor to many and advisor to his children. He will continue to inspire devoted family and friends with his integrity and wisdom. The family will receive friends 2PM - SPM Sunday June 27, 2010 at Sun City Center Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held 11 AM Monday, June 28, 2010 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Wimauma