Richard E. Burns, Sr. of Ellington, CT, beloved husband of Claire M. (Flagg) Burns passed away on Saturday, July 28, 2018.

Born in Worcester, MA, he was the son of the late Earle R. Burns and Beatrice E. (Ingerson) Burns. He lived in Tolland, CT most of his life. He retired from Southern New England Telephone Co. in December 1989 as a senior field accountant.

He and his wife Claire wintered in Florida for a time before returning home to CT. After retirement he owned and operated N.E. Antique Car Transport Company. He was an active member of the Tolland Congregational Church, Tolland, CT, the First Church of Christ, Sandwich, MA, and the First Church of Christ, Simsbury, CT. He was also a member of the Fayette Masonic Lodge #69 AM-FM, Ellington, CT, the Dewitt Clinton Lodge, Sandwich, MA as a 32 Second Degree Mason and Potentate of the Melha Temple, Springfield, MA.

He was a veteran of the USN, USAF and USCG AUX District One on Cape Cod, MA. Was also a life long member of the AT&T Pioneer and served as Deputy Sheriff for many years of Tolland County.

He had a love for antique and sport cars. He was a member of many antique car clubs in MA and FL, as well as Corvette clubs in CT and MA. He was an Honorary Life Member Valley Classic Car Club, Simsbury, CT.

Besides his wife of 59 years, he leaves three children: son, Richard E. Burns Jr. and fiancé Susan Rogers; daughter, Sharon Fitzgerald and Bill Fitzgerald; and daughter, Jackie Lambert and husband Robert.

He also leaves several grandchildren: Michael; Sean; Heather and fiancé Tyler; Mollyrose; Meggie; Lauren and Matthew. A brother, David C. Burns and his wife Betty Burns; nephews, David, Daniel and Dennis, and niece, Doreen.

Memorial service will be held at United Congregational Church of Tolland, CT on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 11:00 AM with burial following at South Cemetery, Tolland, CT. Tolland Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Any donations may be made to the Memorial Garden Fund, c/o United Congregational Church of Christ, P.O. Box 160, Tolland, CT 06084. For online condolences, please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com