Obituary of Robert D. Burnham

Robert D. Burnham Age 91 of Elmira Heights, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2017 at the Bath Veterans Administration Hospice. Robert was born June 21, 1925 in Elmira, NY, to Raymond and Myrtle Roberts Burnham. Bob attended Edison High School and joined the US Army in 1944. He served in the 67th Armored Regiment as both a Tank Driver and telephone operator. Bob received the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal and was also a Purple Heart Recipient. Mr. Burnham was employed by the Elmira Heights Fire Department for 20 years and retired as chief driver and dispatcher. Mr. Burnham was also the owner of Burnham’s Plumbing and Electric. He was active in several civic organizations and clubs until his death including Masons, Shriners, Horseheads Elks Lodge #2297 and Elmira Heights Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Burnham was a former trustee for the Village of Elmira Heights for many years and also served as Deputy Mayor. Bob was an avid NY Yankee and Elmira Pioneer fan throughout his life. Bob loved his family and friends and treasured the time spent with them. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his wife, Valera; son, Raymond Burnham; daughter, Karen Aldrich; and granddaughter, Meaghan Herrity. He is survived by his daughters and son, Susan (Ronald) Bailey of Horseheads, Janice (Jim) Herrity of Yorktown, VA., Robert (Catherine) Burnham of Elmira Heights; 14 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; son-in-law, Dan Aldrich; brother-in-law, Stanley Coole; sisters-in-law, Carol Green, Jane Bennett and Betty Bennett; several nieces; nephews; cousins; and a host of caring friends. Family and friends are invited to call at the Barber Funeral Home, Inc., 413 South Main Street, Horseheads on Thursday, January 5, 2017 from 2-5:00 pm. His service will be celebrated at the funeral home on Friday, January 6, 2017 at 12:00 noon. Interment with military honors will follow in Fitzsimmons Cemetery in Elmira. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may remember Bob with memorials to the Meaghan C. Herrity Charitable Foundation, 110 Terrace Circle, Yorktown, VA 23693 or Elmira Heights Fire Company, Emergency Vehicle Fund, 215 Elmwood Ave. 14903. Special thanks to staff and care workers of the Bath VA Medical Center and outreach programs for the wonderful care you provided. NOTICE: Officers and member of Horseheads Old Oak Lodge #364 F. &A.M. will gather at the Barber Funeral Home on Thursday at 4:45 pm to conduct a memorial service for their departed brother.