William Burlem

November 10, 1928 - September 15, 2023

CORONADO — William “Bill” Burlem, a beloved member of the Coronado community for 62 years, passed away on September 15, 2023, at the age of 94 due to pneumonia. He is now reunited with his late wife of 48 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Burlem (1933-2005), after 18 years of separation. Bill is survived by his two loving daughters, Sandy Burlem (Mark Cheesman) of San Diego and Tina Burlem (Guy Maher) of Solana Beach, his cousins Carol DeuPree of Altadena and Scott DeuPree (Dorene) of Reno, niece Nina Tibble and nephew Derek Cameron, both of Bogota, Colombia and nephew Julian Cameron (Mime) of Charlottesville, VA. He is also remembered fondly by his longtime partner, Patricia Cummins, of Coronado.

He earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Southern California in 1950. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and a Life Member of the USC Alumni Association.

Bill served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955 as a commissioned officer aboard destroyer USS Stembel and submarine USS Segundo. In 1955 Bill transitioned to civil service, primarily focused on aviation and aerospace. Starting as an engineer at the Pasadena Annex of the Naval Ordnance Test Station, he relocated to North Island in 1961, where he served as the Naval Air Systems Command Representative, Pacific. Bill’s dedication to his career was further demonstrated when he earned a Master of Science degree in Management in 1976 at the Naval Postgraduate School in Pt. Mugu. After 24 distinguished years in federal service, Bill retired and embarked on a second career in consulting.

Bill was known for his intelligence, quick wit, charm, and, above all, for being the best Dad anyone could ask for. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Bill will be interred at Forest Lawn Glendale; per his wishes, there will not be a public memorial service.