Drew Brian Burns, 64, passed away on September 26, 2026, in Scarborough, ME, after being diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s Disease in 2021. Following his diagnosis, Drew committed to two things: lightheartedness and contributing to Alzheimer's research.

Drew was born in Huntington, NY on December 2, 1961, the second child of Walker J. Burns Jr. and June (Dee) Burns. A 1979 graduate of Greenfield High School in Greenfield, MA, Drew attended Williams College, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Chemistry in 1983. He went on to receive his Master’s in Chemistry in 1986 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Sharing his passion for the physical sciences was important to Drew, and so his teaching career began at The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, NJ. After a short stint as an Assistant Director of Admissions at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA (which was fortuitous as it’s when Drew and Sue met), he returned to teaching and continued for 31 years as a chemistry and physics teacher at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge, NJ. He viewed teaching not merely as a profession, but as a commitment to fostering a lifelong love of learning among his students.

Drew was a steadfast fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He enjoyed golfing, photography, reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors. To help those in need and to follow in his father’s footsteps, Drew regularly donated blood, which was particularly beneficial as he was a universal donor. Drew participated in several research studies during his illness, and in a decision he made following his diagnosis, his brain will be donated to Alzheimer’s research to help find treatments and a cure. Drew will be remembered and missed for his curiosity, humor, vast trivia knowledge, and love for his family and friends.

Drew is survived by his loving and caring wife, Sue (Egolf) Burns, who did everything she could to support and advocate for him. Sue and Drew married on July 20, 1991, having recognized 35 years of marriage this past July. After living in Easton, PA together for 35 years, they moved to Maine to be closer to their children.

He is also survived by his children, Andy Burns and Maggie Burns, and his daughter-in-law, Katharine Scott, all of whom showed extraordinary devotion and support to their parents throughout the course of Drew’s illness. In addition, he is survived by his loving and proud mother, June, his brother, Walker J. Burns III, and sister-in-law, Jennifer Tate, along with his two nephews, Josiah Burns and Isaac Burns, his aunt, Joy Tappen, his cousins, and his mother-in-law, Brenda Egolf. Drew was predeceased by his sister, Kimberlee Burns, and his father, Walker J. Burns Jr.

The family wishes to thank those who cared for Drew through Visiting Angels Lehigh Valley, Avita of Stroudwater, Maine Medical Center, and The Gosnell Memorial Hospice Home. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Sara Manning of the Penn Medicine Neuroscience Center, Drew’s neurologist, for her expertise, guidance, and continued support these last few years.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Drew’s memory to one of two organizations dedicated to Alzheimer’s research: Alzheimer’s Association or Penn Memory Center, in Dr. Manning’s honor. You may also give by check to the Penn Memory Center, made payable to “Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania” and mailed to Penn Medicine Development, Attn: Penn Memory Center, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Please note “In memory of Drew Burns” when donating online or by check in the memo line.

Following Drew’s wishes, there will not be a service.