Henry Ralph Burns Sr.

Franklin Henry R. Burns Sr. Henry Ralph Burns Sr., 89, a longtime resident of Franklin, New Hampshire died Wednesday, March 23, 2016 following a period of failing health. Henry was born in Barre, Vermont, July 8, 1926, son of the late, William and Helen (Witham) Burns. He spent his youth and schooled in Barre, Vermont. As he got older he worked in a dairy farm in Barre, Vermont. He later worked in lumber mills, both in central Vermont and New Hampshire. He enjoyed working with wood especially being a debarker. He later went on to working in the highway department for the City of Franklin at the transfer station and finally retired from the Department of Transportation, State of New Hampshire. In 1976, he married Barbara M.�Colby and shared life together until his death. Henry enjoyed working in the garden. Henry had a great fondness of country music and western TV shows. He did a lot for people when he could such as rototilling gardens; picking up garbage and many other odds and ends. He and his wife volunteered and ran the Bread Program at St. Jude Episcopal Church in Franklin, nearly 30 years. In addition to his parents, Henry was predeceased by sons, Steve and Roger Austin, infant son, Bruce Burns�and twin sisters, Ervine and Erline Perkins. He leaves his wife, Barbara M. (Colby) Burns of Franklin, New Hampshire and his son, Scott A. Burns also of Franklin, New Hampshire. Also, Henry R. Burns Jr. and his wife Carla of Florida; Robert Healy and his wife Bonnie, of Massachusetts; Cindy Santolucito and husband Bob of Acworth, NH and Gordon Austin and his wife, Elizabeth of Belmont, New Hampshire. He leaves many nieces and nephews and grand children. Calling hours will be held Monday, March 28, 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the William F. Smart Sr. Memorial Home, Franklin-Tilton Road (584 West Main St.) in Tilton. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM in the Memorial Home. The family welcomes friends and family to the lower level of the Franklin United Methodist Church (intersection of Franklin Street and School Street) in Franklin following the service to celebrate Henry's life. Burial will be in the family lot at Franklin Cemetery when weather permits.