Richard Burns
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Richard "Rick" Burns, of Charlotte, North Carolina passed away on December 10, 2020, at Novant Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte with his wife at his bedside. Rick was born January 8, 1947, in Gloversville, New York to the late Jack and Bernice Burns.
He was a 1965 graduate of Gloversville High School. He earned an Associates Degree in Accounting from the State University of New York at Delhi where he was a member of the Green Key Honor Society. He also received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the State University of New York at Albany. While in college he was elected Local Chapter President and New York State Treasurer of Phi Beta Lambda, a college professional business society. Upon graduation, he commenced a lifelong career with the New York State Insurance Department. The majority of the time Rick was assigned to the Investigation Unit supervising investigations of insurance agents and insurance brokers. Many of the cases were involved working in conjunction with law enforcement. In 1958 Rick's mother took him to a campaign rally for Nelson Rockefeller, the successful Republican candidate for Governor.
The rally took place in the second-floor gym of the Gloversville YWCA. Rick was immediately fascinated by politics and it became his passion for the rest of his life. He was active in College Young Republicans and later worked on and managed campaigns for Republican candidates in Albany County. He also attended the 1968 Republican National Convention in Miami Beach, Florida. In 1978 he met his beloved wife Alexandra (Sandy) and they married in 1979. Upon retirement, he and Sandy fulfilled a lifelong dream and moved to Naples, Florida. After several years in the sun, they relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina area to be near family. Rick always found time for his dogs, Misty Morn, Benjique Megan, Bartley Jay, Chole Renee, and his beautiful, faithful black lab Courtney Raven. Rick along with Sandy were active members of Rescue Helpers of Sun City. The organization rescues dogs and cats from local animal shelters and helps find their "Forever Homes".
Rick is survived by his loving wife Sandy, his dear brother David and sister-in-law Elaine. He was especially devoted to his two nephews, Christopher and Scott, and their lovely wives Louise and Anne and their children, Jonathan, David, Jack, and Kate. He had fond memories of his aunts, uncles, cousins, and loyal friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Larry, and sister-in-law Rochelle.
He was a member of St. Matthews Catholic Church of Charlotte, North Carolina; Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Lancaster, South Carolina, and previously a member of St. Madeline Sophie Church in Guilderland, New York.
Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Amsterdam, New York at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lancaster County Animal Shelter, 118 Kennel Lane, Lancaster, SC 29721.
Arrangements are by the Amsterdam Funeral Chapel, 13 Belmont Place, Amsterdam, New York 12010.