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The family of John Burns uploaded a photo
Thursday, January 25, 2018
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The family of John Burns uploaded a photo
Thursday, January 25, 2018
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Frank Hilsdon posted a condolence
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Tony Burns, you are my best friend. Remember when we met? I think it was the White House at Woodrow Wilson High School, September 1971. You were the registrar, always funny, and we shared a sardonic sense of humor. You, Sylvia and John Eichner changed my life. Sylvia directed me to MxCC, John reinforced her direction, but you were always there to guide me. You invited me over for Thanksgiving in 1972. You, Pat and your children all accepted me, seemingly having always known me. I loved your family. We shared a lot of time together, and each time some crazy things happened that would cement our friendship. I remember when I was still a puppy and came to a staff meeting. You were in the back of the room, but I did not see you. The speaker asked you to stand up and be heard. Your response was "I am standing up". You, always with the short jokes! Remember the time you streaked at MxCC? Ok, you where not actually naked, just skivvies, but you created a legend with the few there. We survived getting into trouble together, but nothing bad. Stupid stuff. Remember the time I had an IRS audit and you found out who was doing the audit? The auditor called Pete Blum, my attorney, and our colleague. The auditor told Pete (referring to us) that he had a couple of Pete's torpedos with him. We laughed our butts off. Well I did. You always said you never had one. Now I also must use a belt. The audit went well considering that I misunderstood the term "cost basis". We agreed I was lucky and decided not to press my luck with the IRS again.
In the summer of 1987, I almost died in a motorcycle accident. You called me at the Baptist Hospital in Nashville to ask how I was. Immediately after our conversation, many colleagues from MxCC called me including my intellectual hero, Rino Pettiros. I know it was you who told everyone how to reach me. Thank you. That meant a lot.
When I was appointed Director of Data Processing, you were the only person capable of understanding my role so they appointed you my boss. Things were tense then but we survived the situation. However, we drifted away from each other for a while. It was an artificial situation, created by those jealous of our friendship.
Our friendship improved immensely when you transferred to the Business Division. You suffered the same indignations that faculty experienced daily. We sat near each other. We reclaimed our friendship despite office politics.
When I took graduate classes at Wesleyan University, you expressed interest in the film courses. We reviewed and discussed films together. I remember the film you wanted to find, "Tight Little Island". I sought it out and found it exists somewhere, but not available for sale to the public.
Anybody who knows you Tony knows you love your country, your family, your friends, your pets, gardening, and cold beer. I shall probably never take up gardening, but I am with you on the rest.
Tony, because we met we had 44 great years together. Thank you! I miss you so much. I wanted to have you and Pat stay with us in Florida when passing through. I wanted you to teach me more! It is hard to lose a best friend. I know you have many others. But you are my 1st Best Friend at MxCC. There can never be another.
I can still talk to you, maybe you can listen, but you can no longer answer. If there is an afterlife then we shall meet again, where we can learn all sorts of new stuff. Maybe you will find your movie. Maybe we can learn to fish? Maybe you will meet those other friends of ours who passed before. Maybe you will meet Bandit, a Norwegian Forest Cat that shared five years and nine days with us. I was bringing him home to Connecticut when I heard the news that you passed. If you feel him brushing your leg, he is letting you know everything is all right, and he and you will be waiting for us on the other side of the rainbow bridge. I started writing you in Florida. I added something each day in the state I stopped… Atlanta, GA; London, KY; Mount Lebanon, PA; and today Middletown, CT. I shall think of you every day, talk to you every week, and wait for an answer... until I join you.
Goodnight Sweet Prince.
Your friend, Frank Hilsdon
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George Stearns posted a condolence
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Tony was a great neighbor. Loved his asparagus. Wish his family peace. Sorry I heard about this so late.
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Karen Cyr posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Karen Cyr purchased flowers (Blooming Garden Basket)
With Deepest Sympathy The Cyr & Bantly Families
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Paul Sossi Connie Garlinghouse posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Dear Pat we were so sorry to hear about Tony's passing. Our condolences to you and your family. Paul was looking forward to cracking open a bottle of good Irish whiskey with Tony this Florida season. We shared so many fun times with you both. Let us know if we can do anything for you. Looking forward to seeing you in Florida. Love, Paul & Connie
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(860) 643-1222
John F Tierney Funeral Home
219 West Center Street
Manchester, CT 06040
Email: tierneyfuneralhome@hotmail.com