Obituary of William J. Burns

William John Burns (Bill), 74, died April 23, 2024, peacefully at home in his beloved Sherrill, NY. Bill, the son of Mary (Zuegg) and John Burns and brother of Jim Burns, graduated from VVS High School in 1968. While at VVS, Bill was a gifted three-sport Varsity athlete, playing baseball, football, and basketball. Bill met the love of his life, Peg Roye, at the Sherrill skating rink when he was a child, and later on, they married, with a blessed union lasting over 54 years. Bill considered it a privilege to work for Niagara Mohawk for over 30 years. He loved the outdoors and the challenges of being a treeman and lineman, and he eventually became Union Vice President and then Manager of the Rome Line Department. In addition, Bill was a Sherrill police officer and a Sherrill City Commissioner. He also volunteered as a coach to various sports programs, served on numerous boards and committees, and was an active member at Plymouth Alliance Church. Above all, Bill was a wonderful man who treasured moments with loved ones. He freely shared his time, attention, and wisdom with his family and his numerous friends and neighbors. The Burns Family wishes to thank Bill's friends, neighbors, and church family for their outpouring of kindness and support. In addition, the family extends their immense gratitude to the Wynn medical team, the Hospice team, and the compassionate caregivers (Susie, Judy and Caitlyn) who helped Bill return to Sherrill after an extended hospital stay. Bill is survived by his wife, Peg; daughter, Kelly Paul of Sherrill, NY; daughter, Katie (Aaron) Falkenmeyer of Sherrill, NY; daughter, Karen (Dale) Griffith of New Hartford, NY; five grandchildren: Madelynn Paul, Christina Paul, Wyatt Falkenmeyer, Emma Falkenmeyer, and William Griffith; son-in-law, Eric Paul; brother and sister-in-law, Jim (Georgia) Burns of Sherrill, NY; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nancy (Richard) Wheat; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom (Tracee) Roye; and various nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bill was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Burns, his infant brother, and his in-laws, LeRoy and Mary Roye. All are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, May 3rd from 4:00pm - 8:00pm at Malecki Funeral Home, 464 Sherrill Road, Sherrill, NY. Bill's Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday at 12 Noon at Plymouth Alliance Church, 169 Kinsley Street, Sherrill, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill's memory to the "Bill Burns Scholarship Fund," in care of The Malecki Funeral Home, 464 Sherrill Road, Sherrill, NY 13461 or Plymouth Alliance Church.