David William Burns, 72, of Saugerties
David William Burns, 72, died Dec. 11, 2017, at HealthAlliance Hospital, Broadway Campus, with his wife, Diane, and dear friend, Kathy, by his side.
Born April 2, 1945, in Kingston, to the late Arthur James Burns and Ruth (Mauterstock) Burns, he attended Kingston High School. After graduation, David enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served from 1966-1969. He worked at Duplex Products until the closing of the Kingston Plant. He and Diane opened a candle shop, “Burning Lights,” which soon evolved into a lighting shop that repaired and restored vintage lighting. David enrolled in the Commercial Driving School in Kingston and soon started his career as a Commercial Driver for LHV Pre Cast here in Kingston. David loved everything about driving. He loved driving through the mountainsides and the challenge of getting into some of the difficult delivery areas. He took Diane on May weekend rides to show off where he and his fellow drivers had made their deliveries.
Surviving are his wife of 22 years, Diane Biscoe Snow; son, Damon Burns; and grandson, Devan Burns, both of Kingston; nephews, James Burns of Boston and Christopher Burns of Alaska; also a stepson, Christopher Burns; and family of Kingston.
Besides his parents, David was predeceased by a brother, Arthur James (Jim) Burns, and a sister, Alida Canary.
As per David’s request, cremation will be immediate and under the guidance of Buono Funeral Service Inc. There will be a 3 p.m. worship service on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, at Atonement Lutheran Church, 100 Market St., Saugerties, with a gathering of all immediately following at the Parish Life Center.
Please, no flowers. Donations may be made in David’s name to: The Animal Emergency Fund, c/o Ken Post, 19 North Main St., Pine Plains, N.Y. 12567; or “Kid’s Night Out,” c/o Atonement Lutheran Church, 100 Market St., Saugerties, N.Y. 12477.
The diagnosis on June 11, 2017, of fourth-stage pancreatic cancer was a tough one to hear, but David took it in his usual “we will get through this” attitude that got him through his diagnosis eleven years earlier of Waldenstrom’s Lymphoma.
There are many angels that helped him and Diane get through the last six months: Thank you to his oncologist Dr. Waheed for being there every step of the way. The unbelievable gals of 3 East Broadway, for always going above and beyond, keeping his spirits up, and making him as comfortable as possible. Bob and Jim Willis of LHV Pre Cast for their never-ending support. Drivers Ken and George for their help on the rough days. Dear friends: Kathy Hayman, Mike McWeeney, Barb Raczak, Kyle Harkin, Ben Schecter, George Barimo, Dee and Harry VanEtten, Becky and Clark Gayne, Bob and Jan VanKleeck, Judy Kraft, Terry Mayone, Lizzy Biggart, Barbara Fellows, Kathleen Benson, Sherri Pape, Aris Moshos, and Gonzalo Brazo. Always there to lend support: Jean and Bruce Fellows, Ken and Denise Post, Bruce Snow, Robin from Bangs and Body, and Betty Decker for surprising him with his favorite coffee cake. Dave’s support from his co-workers at LHV Pre Cast, Diane’s support from her School to Work team at the ARC of Ulster-Greene, and never-ending support and love from Atonement Lutheran Church have made the burden of the last six months easier for Dave and Diane and will always be appreciated.
Please offer your online condolences for David and his family at www.BuonoFuneralService.com.