Nathaniel Burns

Nathaniel Burns, affectionately called "Nate", was born on November 26, 1937 in Elizabeth, NJ, to the late Sam Burns and Ophelia Green. Nate departed this life on Monday, December 30, 2024.

Nate grew up in Elizabeth, NJ and attended the Elizabeth public school system.  After high school, he worked as a long-distance truck driver, delivering furniture. In the early 70’s he decided to retire from the open road and open his own towing company called NB Towing.  He started a new career in 1993 at the Elizabeth Board of Education, working as a Custodian/Boiler Operator at George Washington School #1 until his retirement in 2005.

In 1982, after searching for a church home, Nate became an active member and served on the Joint Usher Board of New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ, under the leadership of the late Dr. Charles E. Thomas.  Several years later, continuing his love for the Lord, he joined the Cross and Crown Christian Church in Orange, NJ, under the leadership of Reverend Lula A. Baker, Pastor and Reverend John Baker, Executive Pastor, where he continued to serve the Lord with faith and dedication.

To know Nate was to know joy, laughter, and an energy that could light up a room.  He was the modern-day “Norm” from Cheers- everybody knew his name. His infectious spirit made people feel like they had  known him forever. Even though he was a fun and loving person, Nate had boundaries. He didn’t allow anyone to take advantage of his kindness. He always kept it real, and you always knew where you stood with him.

Nate shared an unbreakable bond with his brothers, who were not just family, but his best friends. He also had a “brother from another mother” his best friend, Walter. Together with his brothers and closest friends, they co-founded The Rat Pack Social Club in the 1960’s, serving as its President. The club was a reflection of Nate’s vibrant personality.  As the last surviving member of The Rat Pack, Nate carried their legacy with pride. He liked to dance and could hold his own on the dance floor. He and his brother Elizah even choreographed and performed mambo routines, delighting crowds with their moves and energy.

Nate enjoyed spending time with each of his children and grandchildren, whether it was in private, at home, his shop, on the road, visiting, at an event or dining out.  Each moment was special.

We can’t forget “South Park Street”.  It wasn’t just where Nate grew up—it was where his heart remained. South Park was more than a street; it was a part of his identity. Nate even opened a mechanic shop at the top of South Park, servicing his community and further solidifying his legacy. He loved Elizabeth and refused to move, taking pride in the city that shaped him.

Nate loved football, whether it was high school, college or professional. He was a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan, and when the team moved to Baltimore, he remained loyal to the team, which now had a new name, the Baltimore Ravens. He was loyal like that—if he loved something, he was all in. Whether he was listening to sports on talk radio on a long drive or traveling to watch a game, Nate’s passion for football brought him so much happiness.

Before Nate had taken ill, you can find him at the Meadows Diner (Seaport) in Elizabeth. Whether it was drinking coffee, having breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and being the people person that he was, he would converse with the waiters, cooks and customers who frequent the diner.  He had the ability to map out every shortcut, highway and he knew every truck stop/diner across the country. His road trip stories were legendary as he often took them to visit family and friends.

When dining with friends or family you can count on Nate to excuse himself only to return with cash from his secret stash (if you know, you know) to take care of the bill for everyone. That’s just who he was, generous but frugal.

Nate appreciated the finer things in life. He was a sharp dresser and proudly reminded us that he was the first man in Elizabeth to get a custom-made full leather suit. And let’s not forget, the suits were not complete without the HAT. His confidence was unmatched.

Above all, Nate enjoyed having a good time, laughing, and talking.  He could talk sports for hours, crack little jokes, and made everyone feel like family. He was larger than life, and his energy, humor, and heart left a mark on everyone who had the honor of knowing him.

Nate was more than a father, brother, and friend—he was a force of nature. He loved deeply, laughed freely, and lived fully. We will forever cherish his memory and carry his legacy in our hearts.

Nate was preceded in death by his four brothers: Jonathan Green, William E. Burns, Elizah Burns and Walter Price; son: Travis Burns; three grandsons: Javon L. Hart, Tyshon Hart and Keymar Hart; and long-time companion, Madelyn Hart.

He leaves to cherish fond memories, five sons: Gregory Burns, Nathaniel Burns, Jr., Don Mingo (Sabeniah), William Hart (Michelle) and Shon Hart (Leah); three daughters: Saria Fluellen, Carolette Farrar (Brandon) and Lisa Watkins; 28 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren;  sister-in-law, Alice Burns and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, lifelong friends Johnny Bullock, Earl Foreman, Larry Graham and devoted caregivers, Merciline Morency, Diamond Price, Marie Louisius and Maxi.