George R. Burns, 82, of Liverpool, passed away Wednesday at James Square. He was born in Wellsville, NY. He was a 1950 graduate of Syracuse University, where he earned his B.S. degree. He was an avid SU football and basketball fan and served on the committee for his 50th class reunion in 2000. He formerly worked for the N.Y.S. Tax Department in Albany from 1950 to 1953 and retired from General Electric after 35 years as a contract administrator. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, serving from 1944 to 1946 as an aerographer and was stationed in Guam. George was a member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation since 1965 and served as president for many years. He was also a member of the Liverpool-Syracuse Lodge #501 F&AM, Liverpool Methodist Church, where he served as finance chairman for many years, Onondaga Ski Club and a member of the over-70 ski club, active and served on several committees in the Liverpool School and Liverpool Library District.
He was predeceased by his father, George Burns Sr.; mother, Agnes Woodard; stepfather, Milford Woodard; and his son, Thomas, in 1978. Surviving are his wife, Geraldine L. Burns; son, Richard A. Burns of Richmond, VT; and daughter, Amy E. Burns of Liverpool.
Calling hours will be 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2009, at Maurer Funeral Home, 300 Second Street, Liverpool where Liverpool-Syracuse Lodge #501 F&AM will conduct Masonic services at 5 p.m.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, February 23, 2009, at Liverpool First United Methodist Church, 604 Oswego Street, Liverpool Spring interment will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Elbridge.
Contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 7445 Morgan Road, Liverpool, NY 13090.