Longtime Buffalo Raceway publicity director, Charles ‘Chuck’ Burr, passed away after a short illness on Tuesday, January 13. He was 91.
He spent most of his career as a sports administrator. In the early 1960’s he was the general manager and publicity director of the Buffalo Bill and then became the executive manager of the Miami Dolphins.
In 1968 he got the calling to harness racing and accepted the position as publicity director at Buffalo Raceway where he worked until retiring some twenty five years later.
In 1991 he was honoured with the “Golden Pen Award” that was presented annually by the North American Harness Publicists Association and served as an officer and President of the association. He was also a long time member of the United States Harness Writers Association.
He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Julia (nee Hogan) Burr who passed away in 2005; father of Kathleen Burr (late Albert M. Ranni), Brian C. (Kathleen) Burr, Kristine Murray-Mack (David) (and the late Craig Murray) and Eileen Graham (Kevin); loving grandfather of eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; son of the late William D. and Christine (nee Cameron) Burr; brother of the late William D. II (Jeanne) Burr of Dalton, GA; also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will be present to receive friends Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the Beach-Tuyn Funeral Home on 5541 Main St., (at Cayuga Rd.) Williamsville, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. in SS Peter & Paul Church, Williamsville, NY.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project.