BRUNSWICK — Joseph A. Burton died Oct. 4, 2014, at a local hospital after 97 years of a full life.

He was born July 17, 1917, in West Warwick, RI, a son of Henry and Eva (Goulet) Burton. He graduated from West Warwick High School, and married Jennie Forgiel on May 4, 1940. Mrs. Burton died on Jan. 6, 2011.

He spent over 25 years as an owner of Fat Boy’s Drive-In, Brunswick. Earlier in his life he had worked as a machinist manufacturing machine guns during WW II and spent a few years operating laundry mats on the Portsmouth and Brunswick Naval Air Stations.

He had been a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a 55-year active member of the Elks, as well as active in the Exchange Club. He was a dedicated member of St John’s Catholic Church, Brunswick.

Mr. Burton was the life of the party and stayed active his entire life. He was a true outdoorsman, enjoying snowmobiling, fishing and he held a lifelong hunter’s license, having hunted for most anything in the Maine woods. He still had a driver’s license, living independently, and was an avid golfer up until two seasons ago.

He is predeceased by a son, Joseph E. Burton; a brother, Henry Burton; four sisters, Yvonne Gregoire, Florence St. John, Pauline Bollinger, and Diana Lukowicz- Theroux.

He is survived by a son, Ken Burton and his wife Jeanne of Brunswick; a sister, Jeanette Krupa of West Warwick, RI; three grandchildren, William Burton and his wife Marion of Oviedo, FL, Brian Burton of Brunswick, Jamie Burton Alexander of Brunswick; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Friends and family can visit 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated noon on Thursday at St. John’s Catholic Church, Pleasant Street, Brunswick. Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Brunswick.

Memories and condolences can be expressed at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.


Comments are not available on this story.