George Thomas Burney

HUDSON – George T. Burney, 90, of Hudson, passed away on Saturday, May 9th, at The Branches of Marlborough after a brief illness. He departed this Earth surrounded by his family. He was the devoted husband of Mary E. (Moynihan) Burney for 67 years.

Born in Jamaica Plain, the son of the late George E. and Anna (Oppelaar) Burney, George served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer. He later joined the Hudson Police Department, serving for five years before transferring to the Sudbury Police Department, where he proudly served an additional 22 years until his retirement in 1991. He was affectionately known as “Ballpoint Burney” for his prolific ticket writing.

Although his wife Mary was the one born and raised in Ireland, George fell deeply in love with her homeland and made more than 100 trips there throughout his life. He spent many joyful days tending to the home he and Mary built in Shronemore, County Kerry, and he leaves behind many dear friends and extended family in Ireland. He was often found at neighboring homes enjoying a “cuppa” tea and a good chat.

George was an avid reader and loved helping his children—whether it was tackling a project, splitting firewood, burning brush, or running errands—asking only for a coffee and a plain dunking donut in return. He had a soft spot for unwanted animals and welcomed many dogs and cats into the family over the years, including one he brought home in the saddlebag of his motorcycle.

Besides his wife, he leaves five children: Mary Ann Gilroy and her husband John of Punta Gorda, FL; Denise Carter and her husband Kevin of Hudson, MA; David Burney and his wife Roxann of Harvard, MA; Carole Jones and her husband Chris of Boylston, MA; and Stephen Burney and his wife Jennifer of Hudson, MA. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Kelly Coya (Eduardo), Tom Gilroy, Meghan McLean (Blaine), Cameron Carter (Stephanie), Macy Jones and Emma Burney, eight great‑grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved sister Ann F. DuPonte. He was predeceased by his sister Catherine.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 22nd at 11:15 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, 21 Manning Street, Hudson. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Hudson.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 21st from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home, 50 Central Street, Hudson. For online condolences, please visit www.tighehamilton.com.