It is with a profound sense of loss that the family of Robert E. Burns announces his sudden passing on November 16, 2019 at his home in Sebastian Florida.  Bob was born on December 16, 1963 in New Haven, Connecticut to Andrew Burns (dec.) and Anne Judith (Floyd) Burns. He was predeceased by brothers David Cook and James Cook. He is survived by his mother, his younger brother Daniel Burns, his nephews Colin and Eli and his niece Shannon. Bob attended Hamden public schools and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree magna cum laude from Albertus Magnus College in 1998 and his Juris Doctor from the Quinnipiac University School of Law in 2001. Bob practiced in the area of tax resolution and planning, and greatly admired by colleagues and clients alike for achieving outstanding results through his keen intellect and knowledge of tax law arcana.

Bob enjoyed every moment of his life and was grateful for having the chance to live in Sebastian for many years, where he would seize every opportunity to be outdoors, whether golfing or boating on the Indian River. He was a fanatical if not insufferable devotee of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He took great pleasure in pointing out to the doubters of Boston sports he knew in his youth that the Curse of the Bambino had since been broken four times over and that the Pats had become the greatest of NFL champions. As much as it mystified all those who knew him, Bob was an unapologetic fan of professional wrestling. Bob would often say, perhaps jokingly but maybe not, that Rowdy Roddy Piper was the closest thing he ever had to a role model.

Bob had many friends who appreciated his kindness, loyalty and sharp wit. He was a life-long student, especially of history and a constant reader. Most recently, he had taken up the ukulele and was learning new songs to entertain with right up until the day he passed. Bob was also a man of strong values and opinions, and a great admirer of John and Robert Kennedy and the ideals they represented.

Bob cared deeply for many causes and issues, most especially for the welfare of animals. From childhood, Bob would often rescue stray cats and dogs from the street. He is now sadly missed by his beloved Australian Shepherd, Vincent.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Sebastian police and emergency responders who attended to Bob on his last day and to Seawinds Funeral Home of Sebastian for their care and compassion in handling his arrangements. The family would especially like to thank all of Bob's friends who worked with him at Nationwide Tax Consulting for all their support. All family services will be private, but Bob's friends are invited to celebrate his life in their own way. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one's local no-kill animal shelter.