Robert W. Burns

Robert W. Burns, 89, a resident of Vaucluse Shores, Machipongo, VA, formerly of Absecon, N.J., passed away peacefully on May 7, 2009 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Frank A. Burns and the late Minnie S. Holzinger Burns. Mr. Burns is survived and will be greatly missed by his wife of 53 years, Eleanor M. Huber Burns, daughter Jennifer L. Burns and partner Laura Lewis of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, son Frank A. Burns and daughter-in-law, Kathryn of Smithville, NJ, granddaughter, Hilary Burns Colon, her husband Shawn and three great grandchildren of Galloway Township, NJ, niece Christine Hall Harlan and family of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, and nephew Douglass Hall and family of Round Hill, VA. Mr. Burns was preceded in death by his sister Jean M. Burns Hall, niece Valerie Hall of Linwood, NJ and brother, Charles J. Burns of West Palm Beach, FL. Mr. Burns was born in Reading, PA and was raised in Atlantic City, NJ from the age of two. He was a devoted husband and loving father. He served in the Navy as a Pharmacist mate in the Pacific during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1945. He was in the restaurant business in Atlantic City for over 40 years and with his family owned and operated the Flying Dutchman Restaurant and Jean's Pennsylvania Dutch Restaurant in Atlantic City. After selling the restaurants, he worked for Egg Harbor Boat Company and Viking Yacht Company as a custom cabinetmaker. He was a member of the Rotary, The Atlantic County Game Preserve and a 3rd degree Mason. Robert and Eleanor purchased their home on the Eastern Shore in 1978 and moved there permanently in 1983. He thoroughly enjoyed his retirement on the Shore fishing and building furniture, and he was an avid reader. Mr. Burns was known for his love of animals, particularly the many dogs that enriched his life over the years. He will be greatly missed by his faithful dog Liza. Graveside services will be held Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m. at Laurel Memorial Park, Tilton Road, Pomona, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Eastern Shore, 165 Market St., Suite #3, Onancock, VA 23417. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com Arrangements made by Doughty Funeral Home, Exmore.