Burns, Robert A. EAST GREENBUSH - Robert A. Burns, 45, of East Greenbush, died suddenly following a snowmobile accident on Wednesday, January 14, 2015. Robert was born in Albany, graduated Columbia High School class of 1987 then East Stroudsburg University in class of 1991, where he played football. Bob worked as a medicaid coordinator for NYS Office of Children and Family Services. Bob was an avid Giants and Yankees fan and enjoyed boating snowmobiling and vacationing with family. His greatest passion was teaching and coaching his girls in the game of softball. Bob coached teams in the East Greenbush Girls Softball league and was a member of the EGGSL Board. He also coached travel teams including the E.G. Express, Electric City Bombers and he recently started his own organization the East Coast Impact. Bob took great pride in his girls and the development of all players that he coached. His teams found success in local, State and regional competition. He also coached for the East Greenbush Soccer League and St. Jude's Basketball. Robert is survived by his wife, Kristen (Buckley) Burns and three daughters, Madison R, McCayla L. and Macey A. Burns; his father Robert and mother Agatha (DePasquale) Burns; Uncle Benjamin (Ann Marie) DePasquale; cousins, Angela (Douglas) Bartels, Anthony (Christina) DePasquale; father and mother-in-law, Michael (Linda) Buckley; brothers-in-law, Michael (Erin) Buckley and Matthew (Susan) Buckley; nieces, Ashton and Addison; and a nephew, Logan Buckley Relatives and friends are invited to attend at St. Judes Church Brookside Ave., Wynantskill, where a Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be celebrated Monday, January 19, 2015, at 10 a.m. Friends may call in the Rockefeller Funeral Home Sunday from 4-8 p.m. Those who to remember Bob can make contributions the Burns Children Education Fund C/O Key Bank, 281 Troy Road, Rensselaer, NY 12144.
Bob played for Lex and Jim Bonaparte in the CDMSBL for several years. Was a class guy. When he won the HR Derby contest a few years back, he offered the pitcher $20 of his winnings for throwing to him. Always a gentleman and good sport. He certainly would be one of our members to be considered for the Jim Jordan Sportsmanship Award. While I don't believe he has played the past couple of years, those of us who knew him understand what a tragic loss this is for his family and community at large. RIP Bobby. You will be sorely missed by so many, most of all your great family.
I played with Bob, when I first came back into the league with Jim B and the Mets. I remember the big feud we had with the Kingston team. Bob , along with Rhino and Tony P. were my biggest protectors. It didn't take him long to get in from right field. It was always a pleasure to be on the field with him.
My heart bleeds for Big Bob Burns wife and 3 daughters. I was only a teammate of Bob for two years but he made a lasting impression. Were going to miss our Gentle Giant.
After Bob stopped playing, to follow and coach his girls, I would always be greeted with a hearty handshake and smile when ever I ref'd his daughters' games. A gentleman. RIP Big Guy, and prayers and deepest sympathies to Bob's wife and daughters who were his life.
