Robert Lloyd Burns

Robert Lloyd Burns, 78, of Storrs, former Central State University Professor, died Sunday, March 2, 2014 at Douglas Manor in Windham, CT. He was born on May 15, 1935 in Martin's Ferry, Ohio, the son of Lloyd W. and Mary Stone Burns. Bob earned a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University, a master's degree from Cornell University, and a PhD from The University of Connecticut. He taught high school biology in Ohio and New York before joining the Department of Biological Sciences at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain where he taught biology, genetics, and electron microscopy for 23 years before retiring in 1991. Bob decided to explore different types of work after teaching. He received his real estate license and became a member of the million dollar club. He also got his CDL and drove school buses for 19 years for Smythe Bus Company. Always a lover of music, Bob was a trombonist for The Ohio State Marching Band which marched and performed at The Rose Bowl. During his working and retirement years he played trombone, sang, and performed with the Hartford Chorale, the Manchester Musical Players, the Simsbury Light Opera Company, the Sphinx Band, the Sphinx Stage Band, and at the Ivoryton Theater. Active in Masonic Activities, Bob served as Master Mason at the Uriel Lodge in Mansfield. He was also a member of the Sphinx Shriners in Newington and played trombone in the Sphinx band. He is survived by his three children, Kerry, Geoffrey and Rebecca, and three grand children, Lauren, Sarah, and Robert. Calling hours will be on Saturday, March 8, 2014 from 12-1pm with a memorial service immediately following at The Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson Street Willimantic, Connecticut. Donations can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Connecticut, 659 Tower Ave., First Floor, Hartford, Ct 06112.