Obituary for Robert M Burness
Robert Burness, 93 of Northfield, NJ, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2020 after a brief bat- tle with cancer. He born and raised in Atlantic City and graduated from Atlantic City High School in June 1944. He was drafted at the age of 18, in December 1944 where he entered the US Navy and eventually became a Senior Chief Electrician. He received basic training in At- lantic City, NJ at Boardwalk Hall. During his time in service, he was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base, IL; San Francisco, CA,; Atlantic City, NJ; Trenton, NJ; Wilmington, DE; Virginia; the Mediterranean; France; Spain; and Italy. He was discharged after WWII, but recalled for the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He served from 1944 to 1971. Robert earned the Good Con- duct Medal, Naval Reserve Medal, Atlantic Theater WWII Medal, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Medal and Expeditionary Medal. He served on the USS Pyro, USS Independence CVA-62, the USS Faribault AK-179, a transport ship, and 3 Destroyers – the USS Hank DD 702, USS Bears DD-654, and the USS Willard Keith DD-775. He retired from the US Navy at the age of 46. After 29 years in the Navy, he went to college and worked at Stockton State College for 20 years.
He was a 40 year plus member of the Fleet Reserve Association and a 50 year member of the American Legion. He was an officer at the Harvey D Johnson American Legion Post 295, Northfield, NJ and Fleet Reserve Branch 13 of Pleasantville, NJ. He was active at the county and national level for both organizations. He went to many national conventions for the FRA with his wife and fellow veterans.
He was an active member of veterans programs at Northfield Community School for many years. He enjoyed discussing his military career and experiences with the students each year. He went on Honor Flight (of Southern NJ) in 2012, and received his Quilt of Valor in 2017. He loved his daily trip to Caesar’s in Atlantic City and watching crime dramas on TV.
He was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen and his son, Louis. He is survived by his grand- daughter, Jennifer (Joe Dean), great grandson, Sabastian, and 2 great-great granddaughters, his brother, Benjamin (Vivian -deceasesd), and his nieces, Betty, Trisha and Lady Jane Hickey.
He will be missed by his family, friends and fellow veterans. Due to covid 19 services will be held at a later date.
He was a 40 year plus member of the Fleet Reserve Association and a 50 year member of the American Legion. He was an officer at the Harvey D Johnson American Legion Post 295, Northfield, NJ and Fleet Reserve Branch 13 of Pleasantville, NJ. He was active at the county and national level for both organizations. He went to many national conventions for the FRA with his wife and fellow veterans.
He was an active member of veterans programs at Northfield Community School for many years. He enjoyed discussing his military career and experiences with the students each year. He went on Honor Flight (of Southern NJ) in 2012, and received his Quilt of Valor in 2017. He loved his daily trip to Caesar’s in Atlantic City and watching crime dramas on TV.
He was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen and his son, Louis. He is survived by his grand- daughter, Jennifer (Joe Dean), great grandson, Sabastian, and 2 great-great granddaughters, his brother, Benjamin (Vivian -deceasesd), and his nieces, Betty, Trisha and Lady Jane Hickey.
He will be missed by his family, friends and fellow veterans. Due to covid 19 services will be held at a later date.