William R. (Bob) Burness III's Obituary
Bob Burness passed away peacefully on November 4th from congestive heart failure at the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House in Palm Coast, FL. Born in Freeport, NY, Bob grew up in North Merrick, NY, where he attended elementary school. During his four years at Mepham High School, he participated in basketball and track, and was a member of the symphonic band. Although recognized for his basketball prowess, less known was the fact that he was an excellent tuba player, who was selected as first chair in the NYSSMA all-state band during his senior year. In college he played basketball at Syracuse University and Hofstra College, and eventually earned a baccalaureate degree in mathematics education from C.W. Post College. Following graduation Bob taught a broad spectrum of mathematics courses ranging from Algebra 1 to Advanced Placement Calculus for 25 years at Hauppauge High School on Long Island, where he was well liked and respected by his colleagues and students in both academia and athletics.
Bob was a laid-back individual with a wry sense of humor. However, this belied a competitive nature which was reflected in his passion for both golf and the NY Giants football team. Following his retirement from teaching he played countless rounds of golf with former co-workers and friends he had come to know over the years. An avid student of the game, a strong player, and a mentor to others, Bob sometimes would shoot half his age in nine-hole outings during his senior years. Also, at the end of most NFL seasons, he would write a letter to Giants ownership offering criticism, encouragement and advice, and often would receive a personal reply.
Bob’s survivors include his wife Ellede (Lee) Burness, whom he married in 1962, one grandson Nicholas Giordano and his fiancée Jessica Vitale, great grandchildren Carmen and Caiden Giordano, and his brother Rick. He was predeceased by his parents William R. Burness, Jr. and Beatrice (Coningsby) Burness, and a daughter LeeAnn.
Memorial service arrangements for Bob are incomplete. However, there are plans to scatter his ashes on several of the favorite golf courses he enjoyed during his life, to include sand bunkers, where at times he experienced both euphoric and frustrating moments.
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