Obituary of Bruce Burrell

Bruce W. Burrell, a man who generously gave of himself to others, passed away at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center on Monday afternoon, Sept. 27, 2010. The beloved husband of the late Corrine “Connie” Rahaim, he was 79 years old. Bruce was born, raised and educated in Weymouth. He was the son of the late Malcom and Ruth Burrell. Bruce was a veteran of the Korean War serving his country in the United States Navy. He was the recipient of the United Nations Service Medal and Korean Service Medal. Bruce was a graduate of Boston University. He went on to further his education graduating with two Masters Degrees from the University of Lowell. Bruce had a successful career as an Analytical Chemist-Lab Manager working for over 30 years at AVCO/TEXTRON. After he retired Bruce worked part-time as an Assistant Bookkeeper in an automotive parts warehouse for 17 years. Bruce and Connie moved to Burlington in 1962 where they raised their three sons and became very involved in the community. Bruce was the Treasurer of Burlington’s local Charity People Helping People since 1988. This past year he also took on the role of President of the organization as well. Bruce had a great love of music. He had played the flute, the clarinet & saxophone since his freshman year in high school. While in the Navy he attended the Naval School of Music. Bruce played with a 60 pc band at Great Lakes Naval Training Station and also became part of the Flag Band on the USS St. Paul in the Korean Theater during the Korean War. Bruce was also a member of the New Liberty Jazz Band, The Squirrel Hill Jazz Band and other local area bands. Bruce and the New Liberty Jazz Band donated their services to many of the fundraisers for People Helping People. Bruce’s faith was also an important part of his life. He was a very active member of St. Mark’s Church in Burlington. He was a choir member, lector, and counter. He had been a Senior Warden for 4 ½ years and Treasurer for 13 ½ years. Bruce also played the clarinet and flute during Sunday Communion Services. Bruce will be missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched over the years. Bruce was the beloved husband of the late Corrine “Connie” (Rahaim). He was the loving father of Bruce E. of Portland, ME, Mark D. & his wife Davina of Windham, ME, and the late David. Brother of Janet Warren & her husband Paul of S. Weymouth, Helen Skowronski & her husband John of Egg Harbor, NJ, and Marinda ‘Rindy” Bennett & her husband George of Hanover. Grandfather of Dalton and Shaylyn Burrell of Windham, ME. A visiting hour will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Sat. Oct. 2 from 10 – 11 a.m. Followed by Funeral Services at St. Mark’s Church, Burlington at 11:30 a.m. Memorials in Bruce’s name may be made to St. Mark’s Memorial Fund, 10 St. Mark’s Rd., Burlington, MA 01803 or People Helping People, PO Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803.