Born: April 23, 1940
Died: December 21, 2020

Frederick Burns, nicknamed “Spike,” was born in New Haven, son of Fredrick William Burns, Jr., Yale Class of 1943 and Lola DiPersio Burns. He prepared at Brown High School and Westminster School, both in Atlanta.

Spike was with our class for freshman year, 1958-1959, but transferred to Northwestern University in 1960 during or after sophomore year. While at Yale, he held a scholarship. He roomed with George Akerlof, Raymond “Bud” Baker and John W. Carr in Vanderbilt. He subsequently obtained his B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta in 1967. In the words of his published obituary, “from that day forward he was a ‘hell of an engineer.’” He married Patricia Anne Nevins in November 1959 and she survives him.

Spike was self-employed throughout his working life, founding several businesses such as Associated Brokers, Atlanta Pricing Systems, and Atlanta Specialty Foods. When he was not busy building and running his businesses he enjoyed his time on the golf course. He was past President of Lakeside Golf Club in Atlanta and spent countless hours with lifelong friends at Ansley Golf Club, Crystal Lakes Golf Course and Eagle’s Landing Golf Club.

Other than his love for golf, Spike was very fond of life along the coast of Southern Connecticut, spending as much time here with his family as possible. He loved passing down the tradition of the best pizza, Italian food, and seafood that New Haven and the coastal towns of Branford, Guilford and Madison had to offer to all of his children and grandchildren.

Later in life, Spike transitioned into what was possibly his greatest role as grandfather, “Papa” as he was known to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Spike and Patricia resided in Jonesboro, Georgia, a rural community south of Atlanta for many years.

Spike is survived by his wife Patricia, his children Frederick William “Rick” Burns IV, Laura Burns Biasucci, Gia Burns, Tim Burns, his son in law Mark Biasucci, and his sister Lola Burns Craig. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Michael Burns.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Golfers Against Cancer.

 
– Robert G. Oliver