Franklin Jeffrey “Jeff” Burns

U.S. Veteran

January 20, 1941 – August 2, 2020

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Franklin Jeffrey “Jeff” Burns of Silver Spring, MD passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2020 in Washington, D.C surrounded by his children. Jeff was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 20, 1941 to parents Franklin A. and Hectorine A. Burns.  He was a 1958 graduate of Malden High School.  Jeff postponed college and enlisted in the United States Navy at age 17, where he joined the Navy Enlisted Scientific Education Program, enabling him to receive his BSEE from Purdue University, and his commission as a Navy officer in 1965.  Through his Navy career, he was also able to earn his M.B.A. from the University of Western Florida and an M.S. in Oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.  In 1977, Jeff was honored as Mission Commander for a search and rescue operation in the Mediterranean, when his P-3 Orion crew successfully rescued three men from the Rota Spain Flying Club and their downed Cessna, by guiding a Spanish transport vessel to them.  In addition to his passion for the Navy, Jeff was a Norton motorcycle enthusiast. He was a longtime and very active member of the International Norton Owners Association and Nation’s Capital Norton Owners Association and held many administrative roles.  The friends he gained through his Norton clubs were some of his closest over the last four decades. More recently, he was an active resident of the Knollwood Retirement Community in Washington, D.C. and enjoyed helping his Knollwood friends with tech issues, taxes, and serving as Treasurer for the residents association.  He loved meeting new people, socializing at happy hours and cherished his time with his dear friends at Knollwood.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Franklin A. and Hectorine A. Burns, beloved wife, Patricia “Patsy” A. Burns and favorite dog “Snickers.”  He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Burns Hart; his first wife, Lois Deady-Schulz; three children, Dennis Burns (and wife, Lynette), Lori Burns Hanselman (and husband, David), and Leilani Burns Carlson (and husband, Chance); two step-children, Edward Albee (and wife Manuela) and Patrick Albee (and wife, Cynthia); six grandchildren, Madeline, Emilia, Harleigh, Elizabeth, Grace, and Evan; and two step-grandchildren Elaine and Brenda. Those who knew Jeff appreciated his knack for creating money-saving solutions, providing directions, drinking Yuengling beer and riding his ‘72 Norton 750 Commando.  Above all, he loved spending time with Patsy, “Snickers,” and his family and friends.  With his brilliant mind and generous heart, Jeff leaves behind a remarkable legacy and will forever be remembered as a much-loved brother, a loving father and an exceptional grandfather.  In his typical manner, Jeff’s last message to his Norton friends and family…   “Kickstands up!” A celebration of Jeff’s life will take place at a time and place to be announced. Burial, in Arlington National Cemetery, will follow. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.storkefuneralhome.com. Funeral date and time updates will be posted on the funeral home website. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tails Of Hope….http://www.tails-of-hope.org/

Visitation & Funeral Service Information

Service will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 9:00 am. Please arrive 30 minutes early to Admin Building at Arlington National Cemetery. Reception will immediately follow at Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub, 2800 S Randolph Street suite 110 Arlington, VA 22206.