George Burns Obituary

George "Chuck" Burns
03/29/2025
It is with deep sadness, we announce the passing of George C. Burns "Chuck" of Center Harbor, at the age of 85.
Chuck is predeceased by his parents, George and Elizabeth Burns, brother, Robert Burns, childhood friend, Gary Fredrickson, daughter, Beth Ellen Burns and wife of 62 years and love of his life, Ellen Dowds Burns.
Surviving Chuck is his son Scott (Sandra) Burns of Moultonborough, NH, daughter Jennifer (Carl) Burdick of Vestal NY, grandchildren Cody (Kerstyn) Burns of Meredith NH, Brett Burns of Moultonborough, NH, Megan Burdick of Durham, NH, Brenna Burdick of Durham, NH, Nicholas Burdick of Vestal, NY, brother Bruce Burns of Oden, IN along with and countless friends.
Born in Springfield Massachusetts in 1939, he grew up on a Dairy farm in Somers Connecticut with much of the responsibility of the farm landing on Chuck's shoulders. Farm life instilled in him a powerful work ethic, resiliency, problem solving skills, and his sense of accountability. His childhood hobbies involved building things – preferably with wheels. He was likely would be found at some racing event, whether on water, dirt or asphalt. After graduating from Rockville High School in 1958 Chuck entered Hartford Regional Technical school studying tool, die and mold making. Chuck completed his 8000-hour apprenticeship at Amco Manufacturing in Windsor, CT.
Chuck and Ellen married in 1961 in Somers, CT. In 1974 Chuck and Ellen moved to Randolph VT, where Chuck continued his career at G.W. Plastics.
In 1976, Chuck took a leap of faith and opened his own company, Burns Machine, Inc. in Meredith, NH. Chuck and Ellen worked together to build a company, renowned for quality, with over 20 employees. Chuck was very proud to have secured contracts with the US Government and the Space Shuttle program. Chuck was known as the guy around town who could design and mill just about any part. Retiring in the 1990's, Chuck became a manufacturing consultant for Anchor Electric and other companies in the northeast.
In retirement, Chuck worked on the M.S. Mount Washington and in the winters Chuck and Ellen travelled in their RV to the Keys, across the U.S., and finally settled for more than15 seasons at Bonita Lake RV resort in Bonita Springs, Florida where you could find Chuck calling BINGO, cooking, and lending a hand in any way. His quick wit, sassy comments, and his signature scotch in hand at happy hour kept everyone entertained.
Chuck was civic minded as well. He was a Master Mason beginning his Freemason journey at Lodge #69, Fayette, CT and receiving recognition for 60 years of service to the Lodge at the Chocurua Lodge, #83 in Holderness, NH. He served as a selectman and sat on the planning board for the town of Center Harbor for many years. Chuck was also a dedicated member of the Meredith Rotary club, and Chuck's most proud achievement, if you asked him, would be his family, musicals, races and the like. He could be counted on as a volunteer, a coach, referee or spectator, at his children's and grandchildren's activities. The ultimate "papa" to not only his own children and grandchildren, but to so many of their friends as well.
If you want to know what kind of man Chuck was, you just had to know him in the last 6 years. He poured his heart into being the sole caregiver of his wife Ellen for many years, no matter the challenges or responsibilities. We take deep comfort in knowing that Chuck and Ellie are back together again. Their love and commitment to one another was to be admired.
Chuck's smile, laugh and cheeky sense of humor distinguished him, and his reliability, integrity, and honor guided him throughout his life. We are very fortunate to have learned life lessons from such a principled and respected man. He wouldn't want us to mourn, but to remember him with a story, a laugh, and a toast, preferably with a glass of 12-year-old scotch.
The family would like to thank Steve and Tamie Rhodes, for their unwavering commitment to assisting Chuck while in Florida – he considered you family, and you were always there when either he or Ellen needed you. Also, we'd like to thank Amanda and the crew at the Center Harbor Diner where, Chuck could be found most mornings enjoying breakfast and conversation. We appreciate the love, care and patience you granted our papa and mimi.
At Chuck's request, no services are planned at this time, and a private burial will be at the family's convenience. A celebration of life may be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donate in Chuck's memory to a charity of your choice. Consider Tunnels-2-Towers, Wounded Warrior Project, or a local scholarship for a student studying machine tool, die and mold making, or a trade.