IN MEMORIAM: Henry ‘Hank’ Burton, 80;

Farmed, Ran Restaurant, Excavating Firm

WESTFORD – Henry M. “Hank” Burton, 80, who for 40 years operated the excavating company that bears his name, passed away suddenly on April 3, 2019, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

He was born Oct. 3, 1938, in Westford, the son of Charles and Minnie (Peeters) Burton. Hank graduated from Andrew S. Draper Central School in Schenevus, Class of 1957.  He worked the Burton Family Dairy Farm for many years, and was also the owner/operator of Walts Restaurant in Worcester.

In 1973, he started Henry M. Burton Excavation, a business he ran proudly for over 40 years with his family.

He was a hard-working man and loved all aspects of the outdoors. He spent countless hours tending to his apple orchards, his garlic, and working in his beautiful garden until it was dark outside. In between all of this, Hank was an avid reader, especially on horse racing, gardening, auctions and farming.

Throughout his life, Hank mentored many people as he enjoyed teaching others about all the things he loved. He enjoyed playing sports as a young man, especially basketball. His passion for sports followed through to his children and grandchildren. Hank loved being on the sidelines watching them play. He touched so many lives, whether it was building you your perfect pond, his daily coffee shop visits or dropping you off vegetables from his garden, Hank became your beloved friend.

He is survived by his wife, Myrna (Adair) Burton; his children, Herb, Hanky, Bobby, Don and Wendy, and Barb and Scott St. John; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother, Leslie and Rocheal Burton; several nieces and nephews; his special friends, Larry and Carol Delaney and Phil Koerner, as well as many other special friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; his son, Jim Burton; his grandson, Nicholas St. John and his brother, Sonny Burton.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 9, 2019 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester, NY.

A private graveside service at the Westford Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu flowers, donations may be made to the Westford Fire Department, PO Box 24, Westford, NY 13488, the Worcester Fire Department, PO Box 430, Worcester, NY 12197 or  to the Bloch Alumni and Advancement Center, c/o Heart and Vascular Program, 300 East River Road, Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627 in memory of Henry M. Burton.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.hellerskinnerfh.com