Birth date: Jul 22, 1937 Death date: May 9, 2024
Jerry Burns, 86, of Cato, NY, entered eternal rest on May 9, 2024, at Crouse Hospital. He was born in Watertown, NY, son of the late Daniel Griffin and Leona Elizabeth (Green) Burns. Jerry served in the U.S. Navy Reserves from 195 Read Obituary
Two years... I don't even know how it's possible you've already been gone that long. And yet somehow, it also feels like forever at the very same time.
The world is a very different place since you left us, and there are times I take comfort in knowing you didn't have to struggle through some of the new challenges it's brought. But more than anything, I miss having you here to talk to, laugh with, commiserate with, consult with, and groan over your terrible jokes.
I miss hearing your laugh, seeing you shake your head when you couldn't believe what someone said or did, and fighting with you over ice cream not being a real meal. The number of times we've had to ask "WWJD" - "What Would JERRY Do?" - has to be in the hundreds by now.
The occasions where we've missed having you sit for hours in your hat and coat, entertaining us all with your stories, have been difficult. Your absence has been felt every single day since you left us. Carrying on without you has felt impossible at times.
You were my compass point in so many ways, Pops. Even now, when life feels heavy or uncertain, I still find myself looking for your guidance in the middle of it all. I still measure so many things against the kind of wisdom, steadiness, and heart you carried through life.
But now more than ever, I've realized just how much you influenced my life and shaped who I am as a person. Parts of you are woven into nearly everything I do and into the things I hold dearest and closest to my heart.
I miss you SO MUCH that it physically hurts sometimes. Learning that this pain is not a burden, but rather a testament to how deeply you were loved and cherished, has been one of the hardest lessons to learn.
I will continue to miss you until it's my time to go. I will honor your memory and who you were every chance I get, and carry all the memories of you safely in my heart.
Love and miss you always, Pops.
Your BBG 💚
Simply the best Dad, Father ever ❤️. Thanks for all the memories and skills you taught myself and others. I know you and Uncle Jack are having a few good ones in heaven. God needed you to build some elevators and escalators for him. Love you , your son Dennis ❤️
You will always be in my heart and our talks will always be remembered. 💗
Uncle Jerry (aka: my favorite uncle)…few people will leave the kind of hole in my heart like you will. There was not a single week that went by, in the last 5 years that we didn’t talk or text each other. It feels so surreal that I won’t get to talk to you again…no more advice on life, nor tales of your growing up years, no more threatening to drive 6 hours to get a slice of cheesecake…and no more calls on my way home from work (which you lovingly referred to as your calls “from Paulette Revere” because of how late in the evening I would call). You always assured me you would answer the phone, no matter how late it was, and you did. I miss you tremendously already. The thought of Fridays without sending you a “bad dad joke” and then looking forward to an original JB joke in return breaks my heart. You were a day-to-day part of my life and I’m so thankful for that. I love you and will keep you in my memories forever.
RIP, dad. You are now with the angels. Sorry, I did not get to see you again. Earthly beings measure by miles apart. Hearts and souls are always close to those we care about!
Love, Dan
Jerry,
You were an amazing man with so many accomplishments in your life, and the world is a worse place without you in it. Ever since meeting you and having the pleasure of hearing all of your stories, I have strived to be more like you as I looked up to you as a role-model. You were like a real father to me and were always there for me; if I ever had a question about electrical, plumbing, mechanics, or anything you were knowledgeable about (so, pretty much everything as you were a man with seemingly impossible levels of wisdom), I could always count on you for help and guidance, even if some of the methods we used to repair things were "Jerry Rigged".
You were the most stubborn man I have ever met, but one thing you were never stubborn about was being selfless and helping your family; and no matter the circumstances you always found some way to help them them out to the best of your abilities.
You will be missed by all. I am saddened that I will no longer get to hear your bad jokes or hear more stories, but the ones you have told me I will remember and cherish forever.
I miss you already, and hope you are in a better place.
- "Saint Gregory"
Pops,
There is a hole in my heart that even a "Daddy Fix" will never cure. You were the first man in my life, and the one that I always went to for advice, answers, guidance, and help with math. You were always my go-to, and I'm lost without you. I could not be more grateful to have had you as my Dad. I've always been proud of you and all your accomplishments - there were so many, so please forgive me if I left any out. I will make sure Dominic always knows how much his "Grampies" loved him. I'm relieved you are no longer suffering, but will miss you as long as I live. Rest now, Dad, I've got it from here.
I hope you made it home "with a smile on your face, and love in your heart."
I'll always be your BBG.
Love unending,
"Leenie"
My sweet Gramps, you are and always have been the most exceptional man. From day one, I was your “Sweetiecake”. I have been eternally blessed to have you in my life, and anyone who knows me, knows you were there for it all. Every event, every birthday, every milestone in my life, you were there for it all. You loved me and my family and I could tell just how proud you were to be a part of it all. I am so lucky to have known you, and heard all your stories and silly jokes- to the point I could recite them myself. Thank you for everything Gramps, I miss you but you are finally at rest and no longer suffering. 🙏🏽💚☘️
