Robert John Burnham

Robert J. Burnham, 67, of Wakefield, passed away on Monday April 26, 2021 at Yale New Haven Hospital after a short illness surrounded by his family. Bob was the son of the late Ellis and Mary Burnham, and the brother of Paul J. Burnham of Wakefield. Bob was a devoted father and grandfather. He leaves his two sons, Michael Burnham (Jackie), and their son Gavin of West Warwick, and Sean Burnham of Pawtucket. Bob loved spending time with his family. Growing up on Basswood Road in Cranston, Bob enjoyed the simple pleasures of life there. He graduated from Cranston High School East, where he was a member of the track and cross-country teams. After high school, Bob attended Bryant University, where he majored in economics, graduating in 1977. After Bryant, he decided to take two months to “ride the rails across America” on Amtrak, exploring this beautiful country. After his trip, Bob joined the sales team at Georgia-Pacific Corporation, where he would spend almost three decades working with customers in RI, MA, and CT, winning sales awards year after year. Bob was quick with a smile and a handshake, and easily made friends whether in business or socially. He often spoke of his dog walking friends at the “Little Beach," also known as the “Dog Beach," in Jerusalem. As friends gathered to walk their dogs, long conversation and socializing would usually occur. Bob took great pride in his Golden Lab “Higgins” and later his Chocolate Lab “Nellie.” Bob was an avid photographer, usually taking pictures of the majestic RI shoreline, the ships that frequented Narragansett Bay, and the Osprey’s and the occasional Bald Eagle that inhabit our shores. Bob will be missed by all who knew him. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea in Narragansett on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 11:00 am. Burial will be private.