Richard W. Burns,94

It is with much sadness, that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather Richard W. Burns, who went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 17, 2026. He was 94.

Born in Glen Ridge, NJ in 1931, Richard attended apprentice school in Bloomfield and became a self-employed carpenter. He later joined the NJ Carpenters Union in the 1960s and served as a Superintendent for OA Peterson Construction Company in Montclair, retiring in 1993.

He and his wife, Dorothy, lived in East Hanover for over 60 years, where they raised their two children, Robert and Betty. A devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Caldwell for over 78 years, he and his beloved wife of 72 years, Dorothy Gibson Burns (1928–2020), were cherished members of their church community.

In his later years, he resided at The Cliffs at Eagle Rock, where he was well loved by staff and residents. 

He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy, his son-in-law Robert Wagner, and other relatives. He is survived by his son Robert Burns (Donna), his daughter Betty Burns Wagner, six grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Caldwell at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church (259 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ 07006) or the Angel Fund at The Cliffs at Eagle Rock (707 Eagle Rock Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052).