John Anthony Burns "Tony", 77, of Manchester and Venice, Florida, passed away on May 22, 2015, unexpectedly at home.Tony was born in Waterbury, on March 23, 1938. Tony enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18 and served proudly for three years. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Connecticut State University and earned advanced degrees at the University of Connecticut. Retired from Middlesex Community College, Tony worked most of his career teaching accounting and tax. For many years, he was also actively involved in the 4Cs, the Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges. Anyone who knew Tony, knew that being a Marine, his garden, the beach, his wry sense of humor, and the desire to see those he loved happy were the essence of who he was. His love of gardening was a true expression of his generosity of spirit. He nurtured and grew mountains of vegetables. Being a man of few words, he also nurtured and loved his family with actions of strength and support. His smiling, baby blue "Irish eyes" will be missed. Tony was "happily" married to Patricia (Perlotto) on Oct. 24, 1964 for over 50 years.He is survived by Patricia; their three children and their families, Michael Burns and his wife, Bel, of Mill Valley, California, Susan Burns and her partner, Rachael Cook, of Portland, Oregon, and Megan DuBaldo and her husband, Donald, of Glastonbury. He leaves behind seven grandchildren who adored their "Grumpa," Reese and Ryan Burns, Leone Cook, and Madalena, Angalena, Cecelia, and Anthony DuBaldo. Tony is also survived by his two brothers, Tom Burns and Chris Burns, and one sister, Lee Nelson. He also leaves behind many friends and family members. Tony is preceded in death by his parents Margaret (Ashmore) and John Leo Burns.Calling hours will be Tuesday, May 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St., Manchester.A funeral Mass celebrating his life will be held at St. Dunstan Church, 1345 Manchester Road, Glastonbury, on Wednesday, May 27, at 10 a.m. with a procession from John F. Tierney Funeral Home at 9:15 a.m. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, 1318 Hebron Ave, Glastonbury. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.