Harry Burton Ii.

Harry Douglas Burton II peacefully transitioned into the presence of our Lord on Friday, August 25, 2017 at Somerset Woods Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Somerset, NJ. Harry, the only child of the late Harry Douglas Burton Sr. and Mary Evelyn Burton was born on July 21, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan. Following the death of Harry D. Burton Sr., Mary Evelyn and three month old Harry, returned to her family’s home in Statesville, North Carolina. In 1953, his mother married Shirley Carlyle Hackett and the family moved to Carteret, NJ. At an early age, Harry accepted Christ and attended First Baptist Church of Carteret. Harry received his childhood education in the Carteret Public School System. Harry graduated from Rutgers College of Engineering, Class of ’69. Harry was a member of Tau Delta Phi Fraternity, whose public motto is “He Shall Not Want, As Long As I Breathe, For He is My Brother.” Upon graduation, Harry pursued his professional career as a Principal Civil Engineer for the New Jersey State Department of Transportation until he retired in 1999. In July of 1978, Harry married Barbara McEachin. From this union three sons were born, Harry Douglas III, Justin Marshall, and Brandon Tyler. He was an avid sports fan. At Carteret High School, Harry excelled in football and track which included setting a school record in football. In addition to football and track, Harry enjoyed playing tennis. All his sons were soccer players and he encouraged and supported them as they honed their soccer skills. Harry was predeceased by his father, Harry D. Burton Sr.; sister, Shirley Hackett, and step-father, Shirley Carlyle Hackett. Harry leaves to celebrate his memory, mother, Mary Evelyn Burton Hackett of Scotch Plains, NJ; former wife Barbara McEachin-Burton of New Brunswick, NJ; three sons, Harry Douglas Burton III of Waretown, NJ; Justin Burton (Jill) of Brooklyn, NY; and Brandon Burton of Charlotte, NC; two grandchildren, Aaliyah Stanley-Burton and Christian Stanley-Burton; niece and godchild, Ryanne McEachin of Rockingham, NC; and a host of family and friends including his best friend, Melvin Brown. Harry enjoyed playing tennis, football and running track. He was an avid sports fan.