Orange Live

George R. Burns, III, 49, of Oakville, formerly of Orange entered into peaceful rest at his home with his devoted wife by his side on March 13, 2013.

He was the beloved husband of Sarah (Smith)(DiFiore) Burns.

Mr. Burns was born September 6, 1963 in New Haven, loving son of George R., Jr. and Ann C. (Cowan) Burns of Orange.

He was employed by Dichello Distributors of Orange where he was a Shop Steward and proud member of the Teamsters Local 443. He had fought a courageous battle with cancer for nearly two years with the support of his wife and his dedicated oncologist, Dr. Joseph Bowen.

George lived a peaceful and happy life and loved the spring/summer seasons. He endured intensive chemotherapy, determined to survive long enough to start his vegetable garden; see the migrant birds return; and watch the Red Sox Opening Day game with his wife by his side.

Sadly, he realized that his brave fight was over. He called family members to express his love and appreciation for them. George was devoted to his family and generously sacrificed to assure their well-being.

When he moved to Oakville, George sorely missed his nieces and nephew; Amanda (his god-daughter), Gerald, and Cynthia of Orange. He adored those children whole-heartedly. George was a natural comedian and great imitator. He had a gift for making people laugh. He was a talented photographer, enjoying the challenge of capturing lightening on film.

When Dichello Distributors locked-out their Teamsters in early 2011, George led shift members, picketing 12 hour days, 7 days a week, for a fair contract. After three months on the picket line, the Teamsters finally won their battle. George was exhausted and felt very ill, but was excited to return to his job. Two days prior to his long-anticipated return, he was diagnosed with cancer.

George was an avid Red Sox fan. Because of the generosity of a Facebook friend, George enjoyed a VIP night at Fenway Park, seated three rows behind the press box. He often spoke of that night, calling it, “A high point of my life.” He also liked the Chicago Bulls and Bears.

Throughout his illness, George’s favorite cat, Papelbon, stayed by his side at all times. Pap became more possessive of George as the illness progressed and swiped at anyone who tried to approach them.

In addition to his wife and parents, George leaves his loving family including a step-son Alexander DiFiore of Watertown, and a step-daughter, Alison DiFiore of Oakville, his brother, Edward S. Burns and his wife Lisa of W. Haven, his sister, Kelley Meadows and her husband Eric B. Volkmann of Green Oaks, IL, 2 nieces, Amanda Burns (his Goddaughter), Cynthia Burns, and nephew Gerald Burns.

Calling Hours are Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home, 161 W. Church St., Seymour.

A Memorial Service in celebration of George’s life will be Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the funeral home.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111.

For directions or to share a memory please only go to www.hullfh.com

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