Retired Norton Fire Chief George F. Burgess, 84
Dateline: Norton, MA
Retired Norton Fire Chief George F. Burgess, age 84, of Norton, passed away peacefully, in the presence of his loving family on Friday, September 1, 2023 at the Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. He was the beloved husband and best friend of the late Deborah A. (Wills) Burgess, to whom he was wed for fifty-nine years at the time of her death on September 19, 2022.
Born in Attleboro, MA on August 4, 1939, he was a loving son of the late Edward L. Burgess and Norma B. (Keene) Story.
George spent his early childhood living in Attleboro. At the age of twelve his family moved to the Chartley section of Norton, where he has made his home ever since. He was a 1957 graduate of Norton High School and served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserve. Chief Burgess loved spending time with his adoring family and friends, especially while relaxing in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Chief Burgess began his career as a Norton Firefighter at the age of fifteen and was appointed fulltime to the department in 1962. He became Fire Chief in 1971 and at the age of sixty-five retired following thirty-three years as Chief. He had a special love for the Community of Norton, especially for the firefighters that worked under his command. In recognition of his many years of faithful service to the people of Norton, Station 2 on East Main Street was named in his honor.
George also served on the Norton Planning Board, was a Charter Member of the Norton Fire Fighters Local 2678, a former president of the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association, a member of the Bristol County Fire Chiefs Association, as well as a member of the New England Fire Chiefs Association.
He is survived by his devoted sons: Norton Firefighter Edward L. Burgess and his wife Jane of Norton, Mansfield Fire Captain William H. Burgess and his wife Judy of Norton and retired Norton Fire Lieutenant Andrew V. Burgess and his longtime companion Gena Brasil of Norton. He was the cherished grandfather of Sarah, Emily, Rachel, Kelsie, Meghan, Jacob, Ben, Will, Grace and the great grandfather of Meadow, August and Isabella. He was the dear brother of Joanne F. Lund of Norton and is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours with Firefighters Honors on Wednesday, September 6th from 4:00-7:00 P.M. in Saint Mary’s Church, 1 Power Street, Norton.
His funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 7th at 10:00 A.M. in Saint Mary’s Church, Norton. Following the services, a procession will leave for the George F. Burgess Station 2 on East Main Street in Norton for a traditional firefighters last call. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, George’s family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the Norton Firefighters Local 2678, 70 East Main Street, Norton, MA 02766.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Norton Memorial Funeral Home, 19 Clapp Street, Norton.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemoroail.com