J. Donald Burns, 97, of Rumford, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Friday, February 7, 2025 at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the husband of the late Mary E. (Daly) Burns to whom he was married 68 years.
He lived in Rumford for over 70 years and was a summer resident of Falmouth, Cape Cod, Mass. for 45 years.
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late James and Anna (McDonnell) Burns. He served in the US Army in Korea with the 17th Infantry Division. He was a member of the Sons of Irish Kings for 40 years. He began working at the Ganley Co. after school while attending Lasalle Academy. In 1976 he became the President and Owner of the company. He was also the President and Owner of the G. F. Berkander Company before retiring in 1999.
He was a 1946 graduate of LaSalle Academy. He was a faithful communicant of St. Margaret Church, Rumford for 70 years and served as a board member on the First Parish Council.
He leaves four children, CAPT. Donald J. Burns USN Ret. and his wife Suzanne, Mary E. Paulhus and her husband Timothy, Patricia B. Adams and her husband Christopher and James D. Burns and his wife Nancy. He was the grandfather of nine grandchildren, Lauren, Ryan, Daniel, Jessica, Joshua, Michael, Christopher, Cara and Caroline and six great-grandchildren. He was the grandfather of the late Patrick B. Adams and brother of the late Marie Burns, James W. Burns, Anne Reddington and Robert Burns.
His funeral will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM from the PERRY-McSTAY FUNERAL HOME, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Margaret Church, 1098 Pawtucket Avenue, Rumford. Burial with Military Honors will be in Mt. St. Mary Cemetery. Calling hours Friday 4-7.
