Robert C. Burns

Robert C. Burns, of Piscataway, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2022 at home. He was 75. Born in Port Chester, NY, he lived in Somerville before moving to Piscataway 68 years ago.

He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Before retiring he was an IT specialist.

Bobby proudly served as a Piscataway volunteer Firefighter. He was a life member of both River Road Fire Company and Holmes Marshall Fire Company. He was past Chief of both River Road and Holmes Marshall Fire Companies and also served as Fire Commissioner of Piscataway Fire District 2. He served as Middlesex County Deputy Fire Coordinator for 30 years. He was president of the NJ Fire Museum for over 10 years. He was a member of the Piscataway Relief Association, NJ State Fire Chiefs Assoc., NJ State Volunteer Fire Chiefs Assoc., Middlesex County Exempt Org.

He was a fire instructor at Middlesex County Fire Academy and the Piscataway Fire School. He was instrumental in starting the Piscataway Fire School. He also taught various fire training classes at many fire houses throughout the state.

He loved to go to antique fire truck shows. He was a life member of SPAAMFAA (Antique fire apparatus organization) and was active in several of their local chapters. He also attended many Fire Museum Network seminars.

He is predeceased by his parents Charles and Dorothy (Gibson) Burns and his brother John P. Burns.

Surviving is his loving wife of 39 years, Helen (Swartzmiller) Burns; his sisters-in-law Ann Kramer of Hazlet, Mary Pawlowski of Booth Bay Harbor, ME, and Jean Thayer of Piscataway; and his nieces and nephews Michael, Lynn, Lisa, Ben, Troy, Kerion and Laura.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 25th, 2022 at New Market Fire Company, from 2:00-4:00pm. Located 801 South Washington Ave, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Arrangements are by The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N Main St.-at Riva Avenue, Milltown. You may sign the online condolence "guestbook" at www.crabiel.com