William Bills Burns

William B. Burns, 90, of Camillus, passed away Monday at Upstate University Hospital. Born and raised in Auburn on April 27, 1932, to Francis and Irene Burns, he was a graduate of Auburn West High School. Bill attended Le Moyne College for a year before enlisting in the U.S. Army where he served in Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division. After being discharged from the military, he joined the New York State Police on January 1, 1955, retiring as a senior investigator on March 16, 1977. On January 1, 1978, Bill joined the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Dept. as Undersheriff having been appointed to the position by the incoming Sheriff John C. Dillon. He also served in the New York State Guard and retired from the National Guard in 1993 as a Brigadier General.

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brother, David (Bernice) Burns; sister-in-law, Mary Burns; and nephews, Daniel and Michael Burns.

Surviving is his wife of 67 years, the former M. Jeanne Zewan, whom he married on February 11, 1956, at Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Auburn. Also surviving are his son, Thomas (Kari) Burns of Fairmount; grandson, Christopher (Emily) and great-grandson, Ryan Burns of Wynantskill; granddaughter, Mackenzie (David) Salvagni of Liverpool; daughter, Suzanne Burton of Liverpool; grandson, David (Jen); great-grandson, Jamieson Carta of Clay; grandson, Michael (Marquis Mahnken); great-grandsons, Jaiden, Mikey Jr. Carta, and Riley Thurlow of Syracuse; brother, Thomas Burns of Owasco; sister-in-law, Gwen (Richard) Plish and brother-in-law, Jack (Marilyn) Zewan, both of New Smyrna Beach, FL; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends may call Friday, March 17 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St Joseph's Church, Camillus. A funeral Mass will immediately follow in the church.

Bill will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners.