William N. Burnette

William N. Burnette “Bill”, a life-long resident of Tarrytown, NY was born on May 25, 1935 and departed this life on July 10, 2025 at the NY State Veteran’s Nursing Home, after battling a multitude of health-related issues for many years. Born in Chapel Hill, NC he was the only child of Raymond T. Burnette and Eva L. Burnette. He graduated from Chapel Hill High School and then received his BA degree in Education from North Carolina Central University. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. It was at NCCU that he met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Lumpkin. The two were married shortly after graduation and he was drafted into the United States Army as a Private 1st Class, stationed at Ft. Devins, MA. Upon returning to New York, William and Barbara settled in Tarrytown and had two children, Philip D. Burnette, Brian K. Burnette and an adopted son, Nicholas Simmons. Bill was employed by the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, where he was an esteemed and well-respected Guidance Counselor at Sleepy Hollow High School for over 40 years. Prior to that role he served as a Truant Officer for the district, ensuring that students attended school. He was a strong advocate for higher education and passionate about encouraging his students to pursue their dreams. He continued his own pursuit of higher education by obtaining a Master’s in Education/Counseling from City College of New York part-time in the evenings while he continued to work full-time. Bill was affectionately known as the “Unofficial Mayor of Tarrytown,” because he literally knew everyone and would stop to have a conversation at any time. Before his decline, Bill was extremely active in Tarrytown community affairs. He was the President of the Tarrytown Municipal Housing Authority and the Asbury Terrace Housing Board. He worked with the Community Opportunity Center Board, The Abbott School Board, and volunteered as a driver with the Tarrytown Ambulance Corps. He was also an active member of the Tarrytown Rotary Club. Bill received numerous awards and accolades, including the 1997 Sleepy Hollow Chamber of Commerce, “Person of the Year” award for his years of service and dedication to the community as a Guidance Counselor, shaping the lives of thousands of students under his tutelage. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Salvation Army, and an Outstanding Educator Award from the Sleepy Hollow PTSA. He truly loved and cherished his community. Bill was a loving, caring, thoughtful and a devoted husband, father and father figure to so many throughout his lifetime. He profoundly cared for his immediate family but often expanded this reach to include members of the community who he virtually adopted. He had a generous spirit to help those in need, and most importantly, he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. William leaves to cherish his memory: his son Brian K. Burnette, Yolanda F. Johnson; Grandsons: Philip Burnette and Desmond (Delilah) Burnette; Grand daughters: Ashley Bennerman, Ariel Simmons-Udovicic, Briana Burnette; Nephews: Anthony Ellis, Alvin Ellis, in addition to Dawn Connolly, Katrina “Lynn” Greene and a host of loving relatives and friends. Bill was predeceased by his wife Barbara Ann Burnette and son Philip D. Burnette. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday, less than a month ago!

William N. Burnette

May 25, 1935 - July 10, 2025