Robert Albert "Hitchcock" Burnham, 74 of Enfield, entered into eternal life on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at Manchester Memorial Hospital, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Robert was born on November 9, 1934 in Newington CT. Son of the late Clinton A. and Stacia (Ciesielski) Burnham. Bob and his wife of 51 years have resided in Enfield since 1961. He was a 1952 graduate of Newington High School.

He worked in the bowling industry from 1957-1999 in various capacities. He first managed bowling centers, moving on to sales of bowling products and concluded his bowling career operating his own businesses. Upon retiring, he pursued his passion of antiquing with the creation of "Bob's Antiques". He was an avid Yankee fan and his hobbies included cooking, golfing, and fishing. His family and friends were most important to him.

Bob was a member of the Newington Volunteer Forestry Fire Service, and the Connecticut Army National Guard for three years with an honorable discharge. In 1977 he enlisted in the First Company Governor's Foot Guard, serving the command with distinction as its' Commissary officer along with other duties. He was promoted to Major in Feb. 1991, and in April of 1999, was elected to a four year term as "Major Commandant". Completing his term of office, he was promoted to Lt. Colonel and placed on retired staff as a life member. Throughout the past five years Bob has been a member of the Honor Guard Squad for deceased veterans. Beginning in 2000, Bob worked at the Connecticut General Assembly in the House of Representatives as a house messenger to the Clerk of the House. In 2006 Bob's hard work and dedication was rewarded when he was promoted to the position of Asst. Sgt. at Arms by the House Minority Leader. He was a member of Holy Family Church, Enfield, Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 51 of Hartford, Officer's Club of Connecticut, and a former member of the Enfield Jaycees.

He is survived by his beloved wife Terry (Wright) Burnham, and his children and their spouses; Cheryl and Scott Schroeder of Niskayuna NY, Bob and Michelle Burnham Jr. of Southwick MA, Diane and Gary Lopes of Lexington MA, Tom and Joanie Burnham of Enfield, and Dan and Dawn Burnham of Southwick MA, his loving grandchildren; Ashley, Brittany, Kyle, Elizabeth, Emily, Tyler, Jake, Kate, and three week old Anna. He also leaves his brother and sister-in-law; Clint "Red" and Dottie Burnham, nephew Clint and Mary Ellen Burnham, niece Donna Bailey and daughters Megan and Sarah.

Calling hours are Friday January 23, 2009 from 4-7:30pm at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels, 43 Shaker Rd., Enfield. Funeral services will begin Saturday January 24, at 10am at Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels, followed by a procession to Holy Family Church with a Mass of Christian burial at 11am. Burial with honors by the Governor's Foot Guard will be at St. Patrick's King St. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to DeQuattro Community Cancer Center, 73A Haynes St. Manchester, CT 06040 or Enfield Community Ambulance, 1296 Enfield St. Enfield CT, 06082.