John Edwin Burrow

Lyons Falls - John Edwin Burrow, 87, son of the late Joe Ernest and Gladys Talcott Burrow passed away on Sunday January 5, 2014 at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Utica. Born on September 18, 1926 in Lyons Falls, he graduated from Lyons Falls High School in 1944. He attended the University of Buffalo and Bryan & Stratton Business Institute. He married Virginia K Cofink of North Tonowanda, NY on May 14, 1955. Mrs. Burrow passed away in October of 1991. He is survived by one son Gordon Douglas (Jodie) Burrow of Syracuse, two granddaughters Grace Burrow of Syracuse and Jennifer Cantrell of Atlanta, GA, several nieces and nephews, as well as his honorary family in Chios, Greece. He was predeceased by a son Jay Edmund Burrow in 2010. A professional musician, he was a baritone soloist in a number of churches in the Buffalo and Syracuse areas, and enjoyed performing in opera and musical comedies. He worked for a number of years as resident character actor in a Canadian Stock Company at Halloway Bay, Ontario, Canada, as well as in western New York. For over ten years he toured with the Pied Piper Players of Buffalo, a children's theater company for whom he was associate director, set designer, and actor in the musical plays designed for children. After moving to Syracuse he was active with the former Landmark Theater Wing, serving as Executive producer as well as playing leading roles in dramas and musicals. He retired from Westinghouse Corporation in 1986 and returned to Lyons Falls where he was elected trustee of the Village, serving for twenty years. He was President of the Lyons Falls High School Alumni Association for over twenty years. When elected to that office in 1976 he was quoted as saying "I'll stay as long as it's fun." During his tenure, the Alumni Park at the Corner of McAlpine and Center Streets, a long time dream of Mr. Burrow was established, and the extensive collection of memorabilia concerning the Lyons Falls High School was established at the Lyons Falls Library. An avid rockhound, Mr. Burrow was a life member of the Gem and Mineral Society of Syracuse, his collection of rocks and minerals contained many unusual specimens from around the world. He was a longtime member of the Wildwood Cemetery Association in Lyons Falls and was instrumental in the Memorial Chapel being listed on the National Register. Keeping with John's wishes there will be no calling hours. Interment of his ashes will be in June of 2014 in Wildwood Cemetery, Lyons Falls. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. Boonville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lyons Falls High School Alumni Association. For an online message of sympathy, or to share a memory of John, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com.