Michael "Bob" Burns

Michael "Bob" Burns , 78, of Ashland, formerly of Girardville, passed away peacefully Sunday morning in his home.

Born January 11, 1947, he was the son of the late Harold and Mary (McMonegal) Burns of Girardville.

Bob was a 1965 graduate of Ashland High School.  He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Ashland.

Bob was drafted to the Vietnam War in 1966. He was in front-line combat from 1967-1968. He proudly served his country as Sergeant E5, United States Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Light Infantry Brigade APO 96217.

Upon his return from war, he worked at Firestone Tire and Rubber company.  In 1972 he started his own anthracite coal mining business.

He served as Butler Township Supervisor for over 20 years.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Michael Burns, in 1972, and his sister Mary Ellen Krevinas, in 2007.

Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Burns (Grasso), 3 daughters, Michele (Brian) Scavuzzo; Diane Whalen; Nicole (Heath) Leiby; son Bobby (Stephanie) Burns; and 3 brothers Harold (Betty) Burns; Edward (Cathy) Burns; and Gerard (Carol) Burns.

He will be greatly missed by his 11 grandchildren, Aaron and Emily Scavuzzo; Tyler Burns; Gavin and Colin Whalen; Rachel and Jake (Emma) Green; Jaden (Haylee) Leiby; Brady, Brynlee, and Brooke Burns; and one great-grandson, Nash Burns. Many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 22nd in St. Charles Borromeo Church, Ashland with Fr. Giuseppe Esposito, pastor, as the celebrant.  Friends are invited to his viewing on Friday, February 21st from 5:00 - 8:00 PM and on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of mass at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Fountain Springs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Adam Taliaferro Foundation, 1710 Kingswood Pl, Clementon, NJ 08021.

Sign the guestbook, leave personal condolences and for further information please visit www.thomasmsullivanfuneralhome.com

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville & Girardville is in charge of the arrangements.