Burnham Louis Hobbs, Jr.
AGE: 62 • Somerset
Burnham Louis Hobbs, Jr., 62, passed away February 16, 2012, surrounded by his loved ones at the Somerset Medical Center after a valiant battle with respiratory conditions. Born September 15, 1949, in New Brunswick, Burnham resided most of his life in Somerset. A graduate of Western Kentucky University, he served as the former tax assessor of Franklin Township and Middlesex Borough for 35 years. Most recently he worked as a real estate property appraiser with Sterling, DiSanto and Associates in Somerville, N.J. He loved his life as a member of the New Jersey Free and Accepted Masons, being a member of both the Palestine Lodge, Scott Chapter # 4,and Scott Council 1. He was an active member of the Association of Municipal Assessors of NJ, Metro NJ Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, and the NJ Central Chapter of the Independent Fee Appraisers Association. Burnham was a member of the Bound Brook Presbyterian Church. Especially dear to Burnham was being a soccer coach in Franklin Township. He was an avid college sports fan with a special love for the township, Rutgers, and all of the Big East. An outdoorsman, his favorites were fly fishing, water skiing, hunting, and golf. Vacationing at his home in Nobleboro , Maine, was a priority for each summer.
Burnham is predeceased by both of his parents, Burnham Hobbs, Sr., and Ada Nordhous Hobbs. He is survived by his wife Kathy Armstrong Hobbs, his three sons Matthew and his wife Leah of Columbus, Ohio; Andrew Hobbs, and Jonathan Hobbs; two stepchildren Matthew Shutske and wife Krysta of Bainbridge Island, Washington; and Angela Shutske Harrison and Ben of Springfield, Virginia; six grandchildren, one sister Bernadette Hobbs Reese and husband Robert Reese; one uncle, John Hobbs, and wife Maddy of Florida and Maine; and numerous nieces, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Masonic Home of New Jersey, 902 Jacksonville Road, Burlington, New Jersey, 08016. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family at the Hagan-Chamberlain Home, 225 Mountain Ave. Bound Brook, on Sunday, February 19 from 2-4p.m. and 7-9p.m. Funeral Services will be, Monday, 10am at the Bound Brook Presbyterian Church. Burial to follow at the Van Liew Cemetery, North Brunswick.
Peter E. Bailey (1968)
I knew Burnham both through HS and troop 100 in Franklin Park. He was also an Eagle Scout, which made it no surprise to me to hear that he was also a Mason. In 1982 Burnham was the Lodge Master and 'raised' me to Master Mason'. Burnham Sr. was also a Lodge leader. Both men were leaders in their communities and in everything they did.
Donato Nieman (1970)
I worked with Burnham when he was the Tax Assessor in Franklin and I was the Assistant Township Manager. We shared a love of the outdoors and particularly the State of Maine, where our families had summer homes. He was considered one of the best Tax Assessors in the State of New Jersey.
Donato Nieman Class of '70