Howard R. Burns, 96, passed away on July 25 at his home in Bremen. He was born on Oct. 8, 1909, in Bristol, and raised by his grandparents on the family homestead in Bremen.
Howard graduated from Lincoln Academy in 1928, and then spent most of his working career in the leather industry while living and raising his family in Beverly, Mass. Upon retirement in 1973, Howard returned to Bremen and the home where he spent his youth.
Howard was a 75-year member of the Bristol Masonic Lodge #74, serving as Past Master and Chaplain. In addition to enjoying his family, Howard had a keen interest in gardening and was a long-suffering fan of the Boston Red Sox.
He was predeceased by his brother, Harley Burns of Bremen, and sister, Dorothy Gibbs of Richmond.
Howard is survived by his wife of 68 years, June Burns of Bremen; daughter, Cynthia Terry of Beverly, Mass.; son, Russell Burns of Bremen; and five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
There will be no public visiting hours. A celebration of Howard’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bristol Masonic Lodge #74, or Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.