Obituary: Robert W. Burns, Longtime Brewster Resident

from the Beecher Funeral Home

Robert W. Burns passed away Friday, December 30, 2022 at the age of 81.

Affectionately known as Bunky, Pop-Pop or Dad, Bunky was born April 10, 1941, in Mt. Kisco NY, son of the late Jack and Grace Burns. He attended Brewster Schools and soon after found the one true love of his life, in the small farm town he grew up in. On October 15, 1965, he married Constance “Cookie” Taylor in Brewster. They were married for 42 years until Cookie predeceased Bunky on December 4, 2010 and he missed her every day till they were reunited together again in heaven.

Bunky worked for 42 years as an Operating Engineer for Local 137 in Briarcliff Manor. He built many roads that thousands drive on daily, as well as specialty work in NYC. He was a proud member of the Brewster Fire Department for 53 years and served as Captain of Company 1 and was a member of the NRA.

Bunky is survived by his daughters Alicia Gasparini and her husband Todd of Wingdale, NY; Melissa Mullamphy and her husband Anthony of Holmes, NY; and sister Debbie Cherveny of Fayetteville, GA. He was also predeceased by his brother Winston “Teet” Burns.

Bunky was a seasoned hunter and enjoyed hunting with his son-in-law, three nephews and many hunting buddies. He had many hobbies including restoring his 55 Chevy, going to car shows, skilled woodworking, building birdhouses, and feeding and watching his birds. There was nothing he could not fix with his hands, but he steered clear of messing with electric. One of the many joys in his life were his three grandsons Travis, Colin and Luke. He was proud of each of them and loved spending time watching them grow up, sitting on the swing in his yard shooting the breeze, watching them compete in motor sports, martial arts and spending time with them at the property and creek he loved so much in the Catskills. Bunky was blessed in addition to having a loving family, having countless wonderful friends. He will be sorely missed by his old timers, close friends, family, fireman brothers and sisters, and many friends at T&Js.

He was loved by many, had an infectious laugh, loved telling jokes, and often was the life of the party and in some circles considered a legend. He was a patriot till the end. He leaves behind his four legged partner and companion Callie, who both he and the love of his life rescued from the south. Callie will be pampered spoiled and taken care of till they meet again.

A funeral service will take place Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Ave., Brewster, NY, followed by the interment in Milltown Rural Cemetery in Brewster.

Calling hours will take place at the funeral home on Friday, January 6, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Contributions in Bunky’s name may be made to the St. Joseph Indian School in Chamberlain, SD, (Lakota Indian Children) St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or the Putnam County Humane Society.