Leighton R. Burns, Esq.

Herkimer - Leighton R. Burns, Esq, 94, of Herkimer, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the Grand of Mohawk Valley, Ilion, NY.

He was born on December 10, 1930, in Ilion, NY the son of the late Edward J. Burns Jr., and Edyth (Leonhardt) Burns. Leighton was a graduate of Mohawk High School, and graduated from Cornell University with an AB in 1953, and Cornell Law School with a LLB in 1958.

Leighton was a proud United States veteran serving in the Fifth Air Force in Korea in the Strategic Air Command, enlisting on April 19, 1953, and was honorably discharged on April 18, 1955 with the rank of First Lieutenant.

Leighton spent his entire legal career with the firm of Kernan and Kernan P.C, in Utica, NY from 1958, until his retirement in 2023. An esteemed and accomplished attorney, he served on numerous boards including the Herkimer and Oneida County Bar Associations, holding the position of President of the Oneida County Bar Association at one time.

He was incredibly devoted to his community, contributing his time and resources to countless organizations including the Mohawk Community Club, the Mohawk Reformed Church, American Legion, Elks, and the Lions Club. Leighton also served as President of the Fort Schuyler Club.

His faith grounded him. Every week, without fail, he attended service at the Mohawk Reformed Church, not out of habit, but out of genuine devotion. It was quiet and steady, just like the way he gave to others. His quiet generosity often went unseen; he didn’t need recognition. He just believed in doing right by people.

An avid NY sports fan, Leighton rarely missed a Yankee game and loved his NY Football Giants and Buffalo Bills, the latter of which he was a season ticket holder for 53 years. Horse racing was his passion and he was his happiest spending summer Saturdays at Saraotga surrounded by friends and family, finishing off the day with a gin and tonic at the Wishing Well.  

A friend to many, Leighton especially enjoyed countless Monday night football games with lifelong friend Bob Daly, horse racing with Phil O’Donnell, and endless laughs with Harold Ray. In recent years, you could most often find him at the Waterfront Grill sharing drinks and old stories with friends at the bar or enjoying dinner with family.

A kid at heart, Leighton loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Countless ice cream runs helped soften the more devious activities like motorcycle rides, firework displays and knife throwing.

A true gentleman and class act, he will be remembered for his humble generosity, quick wit, and devotion to his loved ones.

He is survived by his loving family, Lorraine (Smith) and Michael Macrina, John and Kristin Smith, Stephen and Linda Smith; his grandchildren, Matthew, Timothy, Nicole and Thomas Smith, Michael and Laura Macrina, Jessica (Macrina) and Michael Donzelli and Nicholas Macrina and his partner Samantha Griffin;  6 great grandchildren, Kolton, Luca, and Leo Macrina, Dominic and Alessia Donzelli, and Toni Wheelock, with 1 on the way; and beloved nieces and nephews Lorraine Trotter, Nancy Hayes Shepherd, Eric Hayes, Paul Hayes, Linda Burns, and Anita Konfederak.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, a sister, Carol B. Hayes and her husband Richard Hayes; two brothers, Robert J. and Edward L. Burns; his loving companion of 43 years, Gloria Smith; and his faithful canine companions, Javier, Hans and Greta.

The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 4-7 pm at the locally owned and family operated, Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service (next to Hannaford Markets), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY 315-866-1500.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Mohawk Reformed Church, 20 S. Otsego St.,  Mohawk, NY. Burial at Mohawk Cemetery (village) will follow with full military honors accorded. In lieu of flowers, please make all memorial contributions to either, the Mohawk Reformed Church, 20 S. Otsego St., Mohawk, NY 13407 or to the Mohawk Community Club, 2 E. Main St., Mohawk, NY 13407. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Prayers and condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincenteneafuneralservice.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leighton R. Burns, Esq., please visit our floral store.