Robert Burns, 94, longtime resident of Woburn, MA, passed away peacefully at Atria Marland Place in Andover, MA, on May 20, 2022. He was born and raised in Medford, MA, son of Mabel and Moyle Burns, immigrants from Nova Scotia, Canada.
"Bobby" spent every childhood summer "downhome" in Nova Scotia with his extended family there. He graduated from Vocational High School in Medford, MA, was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103 for 71 years, and worked as an
electrician for his entire working life until his retirement. Bob was a consummate kind, gentle
soul. After retirement, he was an active member of the Woburn Senior Center, very involved in
the Center`s chess club and ballroom dances. Chess was his passion and besides playing at
the Woburn Senior Center, he also played at the Reading Senior Center and with a city wide
chess group that met at the Woburn Public Library. He created the Woburn Senior Center`s
"Fix-It" shop, and for many years took great pleasure in repairing many Woburn seniors` lamps,
toasters, clocks, fans, heaters, coffee machines, irons, electric blankets, etc.
He was married to Vivian (Scavuzzo) Burns of Medford for 49 years. They had 2 children, Gail
and Steven. Vivian passed away in 2000. After he was widowed, Bob reconnected with
longtime neighbor, Claire Regan of Woburn, who became his constant companion until her
passing in 2021.
Bob is survived by his daughter Gail Downs of Avon, CT; son Steven Burns (wife Lisa) of
Hakaulau, HI; granddaughter Courtney Downs of Torrington, CT; grandson Chandler Downs of
Woburn, MA, and sister-in-law Maryellen Burns of Methuen, MA. Bob was pre-deceased by his
wife Vivian, sister Marjorie, and brother William.
Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside service conducted at Oak Grove Cemetery, 230 Playstead Rd., Medford, Thursday, June 2nd, at 11 a.m. Arrangements by the McLaughlin – Dello Russo Family Funeral Service of Woburn.