Robert E. Burford, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on November 4, 2013. Born May 7, 1923 in Palmer, MA, he was the son of the late Helen Randlett Burford and Charles Burford.
During WW II, Bob served as Lieutenant Junior Grade in the US Navy where he was a pilot. During this time he met and married his first love, Lois Nelson. Following the war, he graduated from Springfield College with a degree in physical education. He later received a Master’s degree in education from Hillyer College and a sixth year from UCONN. In 1948, he began employment in the Wethersfield School system. He was a teacher, guidance counselor and coach at Wethersfield High School and Silas Deane Junior High School for 33 years. As a coach, he had two state championship soccer teams and a runner-up basketball team.
He was an avid genealogist and worked for a time at the CT Historical Society. He loved sports, games and most of all his family.
Bob is survived by his loving children, Robert S. and Barbara Burford of Narragansett, RI, Brian and Lois Burford of Antrim, NH, Barbara Bolstridge of West Hartford, and Beverly and Daniel Bonevac of Austin, TX. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Patrick Burford and his wife Tina, Jennifer Biafore and her husband John, Levi Burford, Abigail Birenbaum and her husband Josh, Molly Bonevac and her partner Becca Lyssy, Jonathan Bolstridge, Lauren Bolstridge, Melanie Bonevac and five great-grandchildren. He also leaves to miss him, his dear friend and loving companion, Phyllis McKelvie. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Lois; his daughter, Bonnie and brother, William.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 9th, 2013 at 2:00 PM at the Elmwood Community Church, 26 Newington Rd. West Hartford, CT 06110.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: “The Burford Benefit c/o Norway Savings Bank” and mailed to Patrick Burford, 15 Bush Lane, Brownfield, ME 04010 or the charity of your choice.
Burial will be private in Goshen, NH.