He was born April 13, 1925 in Batavia, a son of the late Robert and Catherine (Fines) Burns.
After graduating from Batavia High School, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He stayed stateside during that time and was stationed as an aviation ordnance specialist at several bases throughout the country. After his discharge from the Navy, he worked for Bell and Howard, United Airlines, and finally at Bluebird/Empire Trailways Transportation (Rochester) for 33 years. During his career at Trailways, he worked as a charter bus driver and charter director working with groups ranging from the Boy Scouts of America, Rochester Americans Hockey, Kodak and the Buffalo Bills. After a career he loved in transportation, he retired as safety director of Trailways. As a bus driver, he logged over a million miles of travel across the United States and Canada. When not working, he traveled with his family and friends every chance he could. He was a member of the Glenn S. Loomis Post American Legion in Batavia and was a parishioner of Resurrection Parish. Paul enjoyed golfing, fishing and motorcycling in his younger years. Most of all he enjoyed his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife, Helen Niedzialek Burns of Batavia. Daughter, Sandra J. Niedzialek – Burns of Dansville, NY. Son, Paul J. (Cheryl) Burns Jr. of Tucson, AZ. Grandchildren, Kristen (Joseph) Balonek of Rochester, Jaime (Carl) Catlin of Chittenago, NY, Benjamin Seekins of Batavia and Eleanor Kidder of Tucson, AZ. Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Neil Burns, William Burns and Robert Burns.
Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Monday (August 8th) from 5-8pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, 9:30am at Resurrection Parish, 18 Ellicott St., Batavia. Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in the form of Mass Offerings to Resurrection Parish, 18, Ellicott St., Batavia, NY 14020. Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.
ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.
