Obituary of Charles R. Burrows

REVEREND MR. CHARLES R. BURROWS Deacon Charles R. Burrows died at home on Friday, September 26, 2003 after courageously living with ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease). He was 65 years young. Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Agnes and Charles Coleman Burrows. He graduated from Mount St. Michaels High School in the Bronx, NY and received a B.S. degree from Fordham University School of Business. He also attended Fordham University Graduate School of Education. He worked in the banking industry for 36 years and retired in June 2000 as Vice President and Business Manager of J. P. Morgan Chase Manhattan Bank. Deacon Charlie lived in Denville and was a member of St. Marys parish since 1969. During that time he served as a teacher, principal, Board member and Treasurer of CCD, a lector, a Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the Pre-Cana team. He established and served as the Coordinator of the Bereavement Support Group and also served as the Coordinator for the Baptism Preparation Program. Deacon Charlie entered the Diaconate Program in 1989 and was ordained in May of 1993. As a Deacon of St. Marys Parish he served the community as minister and friend. He presided over numerous weddings and baptisms and he celebrated the 10th anniversary of his ordination in May of 2003. While living in Denville, Deacon Charlie was also an Indian Guide Leader, a Cub Scout Master, Coach of the first CYO Girls Basketball Team at St. Marys, a member of the Knights of Columbus and a volunteer at numerous other activities for both the town and the Church. He is survived by Barbara Ann (Lee), his loving wife of 39 years, 3 children, Charlie Burrows, Christine Burrows, and Colleen OReilly, and his adoring grandchildren who provided him with endless joy. He also leaves his sister, Gwendolyn Burrows Panula. Visiting hours will be Sunday, September 28, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and Monday, September 29 from 2-4 p.m. at Norman Dean Home For Services, Denville. There will also be visitation at St. Marys Church, 15 Myers Avenue Denville, from 7-9 p.m. on Monday, September 29. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 30th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mays Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Northern NJ to help in the fight against ALS. (MDA, 25 East Spring Valley Avenue, Suite 240, Maywood, NJ, 07607).