Burns, Wallace E.

BERLIN — Wallace E. Burns, 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Wallace was the son of the late Vernon and Alice Burns. Wallace was raised in Colonie and was a resident of Berlin for 35 years. He most recently retired to South Carolina for six years. After graduating from Colonie Central High School, he received an Associate of Applied Science from SUNY Cobleskill and continued on to the University of Georgia (go Dawgs!!), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture.

Before starting a 30-year career with N.Y.S. D.O.T., he proudly served in the Army National Guard. In the second half of his life he enjoyed being a monitor and crossing guard at Sand Creek Middle School. Wallace was a longtime member of St. Michael’s Church in Colonie and currently a communicant of Latham Community Baptist Church. While in South Carolina, he was a proud member of the Fellowship Presbyterian Church. Wallace enjoyed spending time with his entire family. He was an avid baseball and football player who had a fond love of all sports. Wallace was a proud coach of the South Colonie girls softball team for many years. Wallace is survived by his children, Carl T. (Sharon) Burns, Valarie L. Burns, Brian W. (Sandy) Burns and Julianne Burns; grandchildren, Marie, Max, Erik, Emily, Caden, and Nalani; great-grandchildren, Isaiah and Elena; birth siblings, Robert and Margaret; nieces and nephews, and many friends. In addition to his parents, Wallace was predeceased by his birth parents, Wilbur and Sarah Mae; and brother, Leroy. Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Rd, Watervliet on Friday, August 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. with a celebration of life to immediately follow at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Wallace’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place,