By Margaret Bandrowski
Saturday, July 31st was the date and Mosaico was the place for a very special celebration for a very special person as Mr. Lawrence V. Burns turned 100 years old. The party was hosted by his son Larry and daughter-in-law Lisa; in attendance were their son Ryan, brother Vincent and many other relatives and friends. Mr. Burns’ eldest son Michael was unable to be present but was fondly included in everyone’s thoughts.
The man affectionately known by everyone as “Mr. Burns” was born in West Orange on July 31,1922. Drafted into the Army in 1942, he served in China and the Burma India theater, helping to build the infamous Burma Road (experiences he is happy to share anytime). After his military service Mr. Burns worked several jobs and in 1960 he and his late wife Carmen moved to Springfield. It was in The Square that they raised their three sons and he began his 28-year service as a Springfield postman while conducting a janitorial service at night, also finding time to be active in community affairs. He was a longtime member of the Springfield Environmental Committee.
A proud veteran seldom seen without his WW2 Veteran hat, Mr. Burns was the recipient of the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal, the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, and was recommended in 1944 for the Soldiers’ Medal which he has yet to receive. At Saturday’s party, Mayor Alexander Keiser presented Mr. Burns with a proclamation from the Township of Springfield, along with letters of congratulations from Senator Cory Booker and Governor Phil Murphy. A flag flown over the Capitol on June 7, 2022 was sent by Congressman Tom Malinowski.
The party was a warm, wonderful testament to a quiet man whose strength of character and breadth of influence are appreciated and loved by several generations of Springfield residents. A further celebration was held via Zoom on Sunday by The Square Reunion Team, organized by Sherri Franklin and hosted by Ted Parker. Many current and former residents of Springfield from far and near shared their memories and thanks for the benevolent influence of our beloved Mr. Burns. It was a weekend worthy of a century of a life well-lived.
