Vernon L. Burton
Retired Chelmsford businessman, Navy Vet; 93

CHELMSFORD — Vernon Luke Burton, 93, a lifelong resident of Chelmsford, died peacefully Friday evening, October 28, 2016 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Helen (O’Neil) Burton, his “forever bride” of 70 years.

Vernon was born in Chelmsford on December 30, 1922. He was the beloved son of the late Harry and Doris (Luke) Burton. After graduating from Chelmsford High School, Vernon enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served his country on the USS Franklin during WW II.

Vernon loved to work and was a carpenter by trade. He worked as a general contractor for 40 years establishing Burton Construction, which he owned and operated.

Vernon had many hobbies and interests including beekeeping, vegetable and flower gardening, writing poetry, dancing the night away and cooking Sunday dinner for the family. He was strong in body, in spirit and in commitment. He never let another man down, fulfilling any obligation he ever undertook. His word was his bond and everyone knew it. Above all, he was a family man who lived a good life and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Vernon is survived by his three children, Vernon “Bud” Burton Jr. and his wife, Nicki of Peru, Vermont, Charlene Perruzzi of Chelmsford, Cheryle Leal and her husband, Enrico of Townsend; his grandsons, David Perruzzi of Watertown, Ben Perruzzi of Chelmsford, Matthew Leal of Townsend and his great-granddaughter, Lilliana Leal. He is also survived by his five sisters, Evelyn Roberts of Quincy, Claire Dunning of Assonet, MA, Thelma Vance and her husband, Richard of Pepperell, Lorna Aham of Lowell, and Sylvia Prokraka of West Warwick, RI; and his sister-in-law, Dolores Chaplin of Chelmsford. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Vernon was predeceased by his sister, Phylis Lovett of Chelmsford.

BURTON — Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 2nd from 4 until 8 PM at BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen Street, CHELMSFORD. His Funeral Service and Military Honors will be held in the Funeral Home on Thursday, November 3rd at 10:30 AM. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vernon’s name to Beacon Hospice, 529 Main Street, Suite 101, Boston, MA 02129 or to the Alzheimer’s Association , 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Funeral Director Paul A. Hardy, Jr.

For directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit BLAKEFUNERALHOME.COM and find us on Facebook.