Burns, Raymond J.

Raymond Joseph Burns, 88, of Wethersfield, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Shirley (Kuckel) Burns for 67 years. Born and raised in Hartford, son of the late Joseph and Irene (Ahearn) Burns, he met the love of his life Shirley in the 8th grade and they were together ever since. Ray honorably served his country in the U.S. Army and he and Shirley raised their family in Newington before relocating to Wethersfield 19 years ago. Ray was a faithful parishioner of the Church of the Holy Spirit and was employed with the MDC for 42 years until his retirement. After his retirement, he continued to share his knowledge with those at MDC that came after him. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed coaching basketball when his kids were growing up. Ray was a handyman who loved to offer his expertise. He enjoyed time at his home in Vermont, especially skiing. He was an avid UConn Basketball, NY Giants and Red Sox fan. He also enjoyed golfing, spending time at the beach and had a soft spot for every canine companion. Along with his wife, he leaves his two children, Denise Burns of Wethersfield and Joseph Burns and his wife Nicky of Cromwell, and his sister Jane Hurley and her husband John “Jack” of VT, in-laws, Robert Kuckel of Newington, Richard and Nancy Kuckel of Newington, Jacqueline Maliszewski of Newington and many nieces and nephews, including Ron whom continuously offered support and help for many years. He was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses, Joseph Burns and Fran Christie, Edward and Gloria Burns, William and Ann Burns, Rita and Howard Thiery, Pat and Paige Everin, and his in-laws William Kuckel and Robert Maliszewski. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, March 28th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. the Church of the Holy Spirit, Newington. He will be laid to rest with military honors in West Meadow Cemetery, Newington. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org or to the CT Humane Society at www.cthumane.org.