George D. Burns of Melrose died Monday, September 12, 2011 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was only 71 years old. Born on April 8, 1940 in Brighton, a son to the late George A. & Eleanor (Buckley) Burns, he was raised in Reading and a 1958 graduate of Reading High School where he set many records as a runner with the track team. Mr. Burns enlisted in the United States Army and served our country proudly during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he worked for 38 years with the New England Telephone Company as an inside linesman. He was a Melrose Resident and member of St. Mary's Church of Melrose for many years. George enjoyed listening to the Oldies, all Boston Sports Teams but especially enjoyed spending time with his two granddaughters, Kendall & Chloe. He was the devoted husband of the late Janice M. (Corrieri) Burns, with whom they shared 30 years of marriage. He was the loving father of Elena Orcutt & her husband Tim of Melrose & Brian B. Burns, also of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of Kendall M. & Chloe R. Orcutt. Caring brother of Richard Burns & his wife Jean of Groveland, Lenore Sweet of Minn, Candace MacLaughlin & her late husband Robert of Gloucester & Michael Burns & his wife Darlene of Groton. Brother-in-law of Celeste Kelley & her husband Kevin of Nevada. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Friday, September 16th at 9AM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary's Church Herbert St., Melrose at 10AM with Military Honors following the Mass. Relatives & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours Thursday, September 15th from 4-8PM. Interment is private. Arrangements by The Gately Funeral Home of Melrose. Memorial contributions in George's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For directions, flowers or to sign guest book, please visit www.gatelyfh.com