WINDHAM – Jeffery D. Burns, 63, passed away at home on Oct. 11, 2023, after a short period of failing health.

He was born in Portland, a son of the late Michael and Barbara (Thurlow) Burns. He was a 1978 graduate of Deering High School. During high school and for many years after he worked driving a tow truck for T&J towing. He also spent a lot of time in Augusta working at Burnsie’s, his dad’s sandwich shop.

He was a proud volunteer for the Augusta Fire Department. When his kids were very little he purchased a 1971 Mack Firetruck and proudly named it Jake and Jule’s Fire Company. Together they visited parades, did the Congress Street shuffle, visited birthday parties and family gatherings. He loved to bring fun to everyone. Making people smile and belly laugh was always something he did without even trying. We take great comfort in knowing that he will always be remembered by everyone who knew him for his laugh and being the “life of the party”. He also took his granddaughters on many adventures in “Papa’s Firetruck” and they will always cherish that time with him.

He spent years delivering granite for Swenson Granite Works in Westbrook before going to work for the Maine Turnpike Authority full time. He remained there until May of 2022 when his health declined. He made friends everywhere he went and spent much of his time “making the rounds” to garages, shops, restaurants and businesses his friends either worked at or owed. His entire wardrobe was made up of T-Shirts or hoodies from them as well.

He was predeceased by his “Irish twin” brother, Jack Burns, his sister, Julie Anne Burns; and special friends Ma and Pa McHugh who he loved very dearly.

He is survived by his three children, Angela Libby and her husband Michael, Julialee Wallingford and her husband Stearns and Jacob Burns, all of Windham; his three granddaughters Adrianna, Ashlynne and Audrey Libby of Windham; a niece and nephew, Jianna and Jared Donisvitch and their children; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also leaving behind some amazing friends but none as dear as his two best friends, Steve DiMillo and Jimmy McHugh and family.

Visiting hours will be held from 11 to 2 p.m., on Saturday Oct. 28, at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, where a funeral will follow at 2 p.m.

The family asks that everyone wear a Hawaiian shirt in place of black because we have no doubt this is exactly what dad would be wearing.

Please visit http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign Jeffery’s online guest book.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made in memory of Jeffery to

Jack Burns

Scholarship Fund

c/o Deering High School

Stevens Avenue

Portland, ME 04103;

Chrisanne Burns Memorial Scholarship Funds,

St. Michael School

56 Sewall St.

Augusta, ME 04330; or

Cony High School

60 Pierce Dr.

Augusta, ME 04330

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