Francis Nelson Burns Print

F. Nelson Burns



Retired administrator and teacher at Lowell High School;



F. Nelson Burns Jr. 75 passed away on Sunday July 4, 2021 at his home in Newburyport after a period of declining health.

Son of the late F. Nelson Burns Sr. and the late Margaret (O’Neill) Burns, Nelson was born on July 28,1946.

A graduate of Keith Academy Class of ‘64, Nelson received his B.A. Degree from Merrimack College and his Master’s of Education Degree from

Boston College.

Nelson spent his entire professional career as an educator.  He was an administrator at Greater Lowell Technical High School where he received the U.S. Secretary of Education Award for the most outstanding technical program in the country.  Prior to his retirement, Nelson was an administrator and teacher at Lowell High School.

Nelson also served as the Newburyport representative on the Whittier Regional Voc-Tech School Committee.  He was a member of MACC Massachusetts Association of School Committees.

An avid Boston Celtics and New England Patriot’s fan, Nelson especially enjoyed spending time on the beach at Plum Island.

He is survived by his son, F. Nelson Burns III of Boston, his brother Lawrence Burns of Lowell, and his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jane and William Mullen of Dracut.  Nelson is also survived by two lifelong friends, Leo Dunn of Ogunquit, ME and his cousin Dennis Hagler of Boston.

At Nelson’s request, all services were held privately for the family. E-condolences may be sent to www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME – LOWELL – (978) 458-8768.


Condolences (4)
  • Lynne Ferriera  - LPS Colleague
    So sorry to hear that Nelson has passed away. In the Fall of 1999 I started in Lowell Public Schools, working for Nelson at the Lowell Alternative High School program, which we created on John Street. We had lots of laughs amongst hard work. He was a great man. In sympathy and God Bless him and his family. Lovingly, Lynne Ferriera
  • john belliveau Kapaa Hawaii  - Keith :64
    The words of the Sun paint a picture perfect life of a Keith educational goal. He was a giving man, who must have made positive influence in many lives, may he rest in peace.
  • Jill Taylor  - LHS Colleague
    My condolences to F Nelson’s family & friends. Seeing his photo brought a smile to my face, recalling our interactions at Lowell High towards the end of his career and at just the beginning of mine. He was a character for sure! Strength to you all.
  • Ron Platt  - Goodbye my friend...
    I just read of your death today, July 18th and was shocked and saddened that you are now only a great memory of my Lowell childhood, and great memories they are. Thank you for all of those Nelson, the world is a smaller place without you in it. My deepest condolences to Mary Jane (Burns) Mullen and Dennis Hagler.
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