Obituary of Robert J. Burns

Robert J. “Bob” Burns of Ashtabula passed away at his home on Friday, March 4, 2022, after being diagnosed with multiple malignancies in October and fighting a short but difficult battle against the same. He was born in Akron, Ohio to Robert L. and Ruth (Schanley) Burns. Bob worked at International Paper in Saybrook for several years before his retirement, as well as at the Guard Shack at Pinney Dock for a short time. He married the love of his life, Carol (Crofoot) on July 9, 2001, and they enjoyed their time together up until her death on March 3, 2010. The date of her death is significant as he expressed wanting to make it to that date shortly after his cancer diagnosis, as well as wanting to be home for hospice care when the time came. When he was brought home following a stay in the hospital and a rehabilitation facility on March 4th, he had fulfilled his final wishes and was able to free himself from the grips of his illness. He enjoyed and took pride in doing yardwork and helping his friends and neighbors with various tasks and chores and giving them rides to the store and to complete other errands. He will be remembered for his knowledge and intelligence as well as his kind heart and giving nature. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, and his Stepson, Vincent Donathan. He is survived by his sisters Mary Barczak and Patricia Gibson of Monroe, Georgia, Kate (Sandy) Garfinkel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Dorothy “Dottie” (Ron) Schindlinger of Rose Valley, Pennsylvania and Stepchildren Ann Stranman and Laura Stiles of Ashtabula, Ohio and Bobby Donathan of Youngstown, Ohio, and their family members. Arrangements are being handled by Ducro Funeral Services. An informal memorial service with calling hours will be held on Friday, March 11th, 2022, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at their location at 4524 Elm Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004