Richard E. Burrows

Richard (Dick) Earnest Burrows, age 82, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022 surrounded by
his family. Richard, lovingly known as “Pops” to family and friends, is survived by his wife of
59 years, Patricia (Meenan) Burrows, “Grammy”.

Richard was born on November 29, 1939, in Concord, Massachusetts to Charles Philip
Burrows and Evelyn Margaret (Kilgore) Burrows. He is also survived by his brother, Philip
Burrows of Concord, New Hampshire. Richard grew up in Billerica and then moved to
Stoneham where he met Patricia, the girl next door.

Dick served four years in the military, mostly in service at Clark Airforce Base in the
Philippines. When he returned from the Philippines, Dick and Pat rekindled their romance
and married on August 10 th , 1963. He started classes at Boston University and while in
college in 1965, the couple welcomed their first born, Richard Christopher to the family. One
year later, Paul Matthew arrived. Dick juggled college, work, and two kids, with Pat there by
his side. He always figured out a way to keep the bills paid and the lights on. In April of
1969, they completed their core family with the arrival of Patricia Anne.

Dick and Pat’s mantra was always, we have room for one more! In 1968, the year before
their daughter arrived, they opened their home to the first of 88 foster children. A six-year-
old boy from the Home for Little Wanderers in Waltham, Massachusetts was the first to join
the family Christmas photo. Over four decades, an empty frame was kept on the wall for a
photo of each new child who joined the Burrows family. The capacity that Dick and Pat had
for helping children in need was unlimited.

In 1972, Dick and Pat moved their young family to Tyngsboro, Massachusetts where they
lived for 30 years in four different houses, all on the same street! Dick purchased an old
farmhouse with enough land that he could subdivide. In 1977, he sold the farmhouse and
started his home building career.

Dick spent 40 years as a physical education teacher in the Billerica school system. He also
drove for Greyhound Bus Lines during the summers and over holidays. While these were
Dick’s official professions, he always enjoyed having something on the side whether it was
house painting, house building, autobody repair, coaching or being the referee. Dick was
always doing something to provide for his family.

Retirement did not stop Pop. In addition to being the most amazing hands-on grandfather,
he spent years driving tour groups to the local casinos. Pops loved to meet people and hear
their stories. Everyone that knew him knew he had the gift of gab, but he also had the gift of
listening to and hearing people. He touched many lives that way!

Pops loved spending time with his grandchildren, and is survived by Krista Burrows, Meghan
Mays-Burrows, Benjamin Burrows, Alexander Collins, Celine Burrows, and Zachary Collins.
He also has step-grandchildren who adored him: Sophie & Marisa Dameron; Jake, Max,
Seamus, and Brett Pugh. Pops also got lucky in the in-law department with Peg & Ron
O’Keefe, Bob & Yana Meenan, Andy Collins, Bill Dameron, and Bernadette Pugh.

The family will be forever indebted to the team of angels at Durgin Pines in Kittery, Maine
who provided compassionate and loving care to Pops during the last 15 months of his life.

A Celebration of Life will take place on August 12th from 4-8 pm at the Establishment
Restaurant, 75 Princeton St. North Chelmsford, MA 01863.