Michael William Burns

On August 15, 2022 we lost Michael William Burns of South Kingstown, RI at the age of 54. He was born September 20, 1967 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Jane Burns and the late Robert Burns. He was the cherished husband for 25 years of Lauren Noel, and proud father of his children Jacqueline and Matthew Burns. He was predeceased by his daughter Jocelyn and his sister Kathy Burns-Greco.

Mike was the beloved brother of Ronald Burns (Barbara) of Oviedo, Florida, Karen Burns-Marrero of Weeki Wachee, Florida, and Kristine Merrill of Connecticut. He also leaves behind in-laws Tom and Carleen Noel, Evan Noel (Jeannine), and Tommy Noel (Sandra) as well as his many treasured nieces and nephews.

Growing up in a family of five kids meant he had to share a room, and everything else with his older brother and perpetual teammate. Much to his brother’s chagrin, an ongoing perpetual joke was that he was his mother’s “favorite son.” Let’s be honest, none of the five were the favorite. But Ron was always the favorite in his second mother’s eyes, Karen (the school note signer)

Mike was a lifelong athlete, playing baseball and soccer in his youth, and wiffleball and cornhole as a father. He instilled this passion into his kids, always encouraging them with whatever they chose, even when both quit soccer (his personal favorite).

Mike was the owner of his construction company Burns Home Improvement, where he enjoyed making something from nothing and was damn good at it.

He will be remembered as the life of the party and was always game for anything. He was always quick with a joke, and if it garnered a laugh, then he was fueled to keep going. If nobody laughed, don’t worry, he would keep trying. He would talk anyone’s ear off, whether or not they were listening.

At 54, Mike was rediscovering his hobbies, and spent his last summer in Matunuck, RI catching waves on his surfboard. In the rest of his free time you could be sure to find him drink in hand whether that be a cold Modelo in a can, a mai tai for vacation vibes at home, or Hendricks and Tonic; hold the fruit.

Mike always loved a good laugh and a good beer, but what he loved most was his children. He took immense pride in his contribution, often remarking to his wife “look what we made.” We will forever miss the way he made us laugh.