Gary P. Burns

AUGUSTA – Gary P. Burns, 81, died unexpectedly Friday, August 15, 2025, at his camp in West Gardiner. He was born in Augusta on July 20, 1944, a son of the late John G. and Mary (Farrell) Burns.

Mr. Burns was a graduate of Cony High School and was baptized, married and was a communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.

He was a 101st Airborne Division Vietnam War veteran and received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during the conflict in 1968.

Mr. Burns had been employed for 30 years for the Disabled American Veterans, acting as National Service Officer (NSO). He was elected to local and state offices of the DAV including State Commander and was appointed to the Board of Directors for DAV National Service Foundation where he was elected President for eight years.

He served on the Augusta City Council and an active member of St. Andrews and St. Mary’s parishes. Gary was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the VFW, American Legion, Calumet Club, Maine Military Historical Society and the Capitol Area Recreation Center. Gary was Le Calumet Club Citizen of the year in 2001 making him one of the few Irish members to receive such an award.

Countless residents in the Augusta area knew Gary as “Coach Burns” as he coached basketball, baseball, and football for countless years and drove many a child to and from practice in his GMC pickup with his trusty dog Taffy.

Mr. Burns was predeceased by his daughter, Chrisanne Burns and his three brothers, John “Tardy” Burns, Michael Burns and Timothy Burns.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn W. (Wiley) Burns of Augusta; two sons, John Gregory Burns and his wife Carrie of 28 years, and Patrick Burns and his wife Megan of 24 years; seven grandchildren, Jared, Luke, Jackson, Shane, Drew, Makayla, and Jack; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends may visit on Thursday, August 21 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 22 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Western Ave., Augusta. Burial and committal prayers will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Western Ave., Manchester.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

The family requests that donations in Gary’s memory be made to:

Chrisanne Burns Memorial Fund
c/o St. Michael School
56 Sewall St.
Augusta, ME, 04330 or:
Chrisanne Burns Memorial Fund
c/o Cony High School
60 Pierce Drive
Augusta, ME 04330 or:
Capitol Area Recreation Association
PO Box 5275
Augusta, ME 04332 or:
the Disabled American Veterans
PO Box 3151
Augusta, ME 04330 or:
Maine Military Historical Society
194 Winthrop St.
Augusta, ME 04330