Ralph Matthew Burns

Ralph Matthew Burns BURNS, Ralph Matthew Passed away on November 8, 2004, at the age of 91 years. He was born on October 7, 1913, in New London, CT, to Mark O'Reilly Burns and Elizabeth Lavallee Burns. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Kinghorn Parizeau Burns, at their home in Carmichael, CA. He is also survived by his daughter, M. Susan, son-in-law Anthony and grandson Joseph Tarrant of Seattle. Other survivors are his stepson Robert Parizeau of Woodstock, CT, sisters Alice Edson of West Haven, CT, Lucy Aliano of Pacifica, CA, brother Thomas Burns of Rocky Hill, CT, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by wife Ann Dodd Burns in 1972, stepdaughter Judith Kramer in 2003, and by brothers Daniel of Chicago, Mark Jr. of East Hartford, CT, and sister Janice Griswold of New York. Ralph Burns worked and retired from the State of Connecticut as an accountant and business manager, served in the U.S. Army on active duty in WWII and the Korean Conflict, and remained on Reserve status for 27 years until he retired in 1973 as Chief Warrant Officer. He was awarded the Bronze Star while on active duty. He lived in Connecticut until his retirement, enjoyed traveling to Ireland, and retired to California in 1980. While living in Coventry, CT he helped found the Nathan Hale Ancient Fife and Drums, and was active in the American Legion and Lions Club. He was a longstanding member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6922, Retired Army Officers Association, AARP, CT State Employees Assoc, and the American Philatelic Society. A devout member of the Catholic Faith he most recently belonged to St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sacramento, CA. He was active in many aspects of parish life until advanced age and failing health curtailed his participation. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Paul's at 9:30 AM on November 11, 2004. In lieu flowers, donations maybe made to the St. Paul's Building Fund, 8720 Florin Rd, Sacramento, CA 95828. Funeral Home: Andrews & Greilich Mortuary 3939 Fruitridge Road Sacramento, CA US 95820