James E. Burrows Sr. – Belle Vernon
James E. Burrows Sr., 90, much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, learner, advocate and a good and kind man, died on April 29, 2024, in Arden Court Memory Care, Jefferson Hills. Born on May 24, 1933, the son of James A. and Madeline Burrows, Jim was raised in Belle Vernon by his mother and extended family after his father died at a young age. He spent most of his adult life in Belle Vernon and Rostraver. A graduate of the former California State College, he earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees while working full-time at Westinghouse Electric Corp. at Bettis. He taught history in the Elizabeth Forward School District for 36 years prior to his retirement in 1998. A person of faith and lover of all types of music from country to folk to opera, he enjoyed books, higher education, silly jokes, movies and good food. He was also an early conservationist and a longtime weightlifter admired for his strength. He enjoyed travel, especially annual summer trips to Bethany Beach, Del., with his children and grandchildren. A lifelong learner, he valued new experiences, Notre Dame, Pitt, Penn State and Wisconsin football and spending time with family and friends. A Belle Vernon High School graduate, he was a longtime member of St. Sebastian Parish in Belle Vernon, where he and his wife of nearly 67 years, Eleanor Sulek Burrows, helped to lead the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program. He also was a member of the Holy Name Society and a founding member of the St. Vincent de Paul store in Monessen, which was a labor of love and a source of pride. His commitment to community and civic responsibility led him to a successful run for a seat on North Belle Vernon Borough Council in the 1980s. Supportive of his children and grandchildren, he regularly attended sporting events and performances, helped with homework, built bonfires and made trips to playgrounds and parks in both Pennsylvania and Minnesota. His wife, Eleanor, who survives, was steadfast in her care for Jim during his long battle with dementia. The two met on a blind date more than 70 years ago and had been together ever since, weathering life’s ups and downs much as they did the Racer roller coaster ride they shared at Kennywood Amusement Park on one of their first dates. Early in their courtship, he surprised her by taking a ballroom dance class during his lunch hour because she so enjoyed dancing. Together they enjoyed travel, musical theater, football and watching their grandchildren learn and grow. Survivors also include three children, Angela Burrows (Joe Napsha) of Greensburg, Carol Walkush (Buck) of Rostraver and Jim Burrows (Steph Wolf) of Chanhassen, Minn.; six beloved grandchildren, Annie Wozniak (Brandon) of Rostraver, Julie Walkush (Caleb) of Irwin, Joseph A. Napsha of Greensburg, Daniel Napsha of Brooklyn, N.Y., Kelli Felmlee (Charlie) of Chanhassen, Minn., and Sam Burrows (Alli) of Crystal, Minn.; five great-grandchildren, Bryson, Taysom and Brynlee Wozniak and Nora and Henry Felmlee; a sister, Dorothy Sterdis of Finleyville; wonderful, longtime caregiver and friend, Carol Cintron of Rostraver; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at PARZYNSKI FUNERAL HOME & CREMATIONS LLC, family owned and operated, 626 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon, 724-929-6183. Prayers of transfer will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday in the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church with Msgr. Roger A. Statnick. Interment will take place in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Coal Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Monessen chapter, in memory of James Burrows. Condolences accepted at the funeral home’s website, www.parzynskifuneralhome.com.
