Donald Burrows

Donald Francis Burrows of Brewster, NY died on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the age of 76.

Don was born in Brooklyn, NY to the late Donald and Maren (Philipsen) Burrows. He moved to Stewart Manor, Long Island, NY with his parents and his sister Patty, at the age of eight. He had a happy childhood which included bike hikes. swimming, family vacations, Little League and Boy Scouts. Anything relating to New York fascinated Don, but he was especially passionate

about things with wheels: cars, trains, and particularly trucks. All types of transportation interested him.

After graduating from Sewanhaka High School in nearby Floral Park, Don joined the Army, where he served honorably in Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his duty to his country. After returning home, he completed his education, earning an MA in Urban Planning from Fordham University in New York. Don worked in this field for ten years before returning to his true love,

truck driving.

In 1991 Don married Christina (Tina) Ronnau, and shortly thereafter moved to Brewster, NY.

He and Tina shared a deep love of animals of all kinds, throughout the years rescuing numerous dogs, cats, birds, and even a turtle. Don spent a great deal of his free time exploring nature. He loved hiking, camping, canoeing, skiing, and enjoying the wilderness with his friends.

Throughout his entire life Don was an avid reader. He gravitated toward history, both fiction and nonfiction and books about World War II, but, as he put it, he enjoyed “anything well written.” He was rarely without a book somewhere on his person.

In the mid 90’s Don gave his life to Christ and was a faithful follower for his remaining years. He ministered to many – helping homeless in lower Manhattan, conducting worship services in nursing homes and driving inner-city children to summer camps, to name a few.

Throughout the last year of his life, Don suffered greatly with a number of medical issues. Despite the efforts of numerous specialists and countless tests, his condition defied diagnosis. But even severe pain and physical deterioration didn’t quench his legendary sense of humor and his enjoyment of people.

Don is survived by his loving wife Tina, his sister Patricia and her husband Roger Carpenter, and many loving cousins. This remarkable, sweet soul will be greatly missed.

A graveside service will be held at Peach Pond Cemetery on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

MCB Church, 76 Gleneida Ave, Carmel, NY 10512 (mcbchurch.online)

or

Calvary Hospital, 1740 Eastchester Rd, Bronx, NY 10461 (calvaryhospital.org)