William Lawrence Burling, Jr.
June 26, 1950 – February 27, 2023

William Lawrence Burling Jr., 72, of East Orleans, MA died suddenly and painlessly in paradise while surrounded by loved ones. He was out for a stroll in one of his favorite places in the world, a cocoa plantation at the foot of St. Lucia’s Gros Piton mountain, when he collapsed.

Bill was singular and distinctively memorable, from his natty sartorial choices and anachronistic areas of expertise to his dry sense of humor and acerbic wit. A voracious reader, Bill had an insatiable interest in history, genealogy, gardening, antiques, and architecture. A lover of the water, he was happiest when sailing and kept his fitness through Masters swimming and, more recently, Tai Chi. In all matters, he cut his own path and lived life on his own terms.

Born in West Paterson, NJ, Bill nurtured and sustained a lifelong connection to Cape Cod and to his family’s home on Nauset Heights, a place he first visited at two weeks old. He attended Rumson-Fairhaven Regional High School, earned a BA in history and English from Yankton College, and an MBA with a focus on marketing from Lehigh University. During his career he worked for Bowery Savings Bank; Bozell & Jacobs advertising; was a managing partner of Franklin, Blee & Burling advertising; and worked for William Raveis Real Estate. He was particularly proud of the work he did on the board of the Alexandria Athenaeum helping with their annual Antiques Show.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, William Lawrence Burling and Barbara Croll Burling, as well as his sister, Catherine Croll Burling Pasymowski. He is survived by his siblings, Andrew Gilbert Burling, Laura Burling Opler, and John Croll Burling, as well as his two nieces, Georgia Riepe Smith and Whitney Riepe Van Dyke, and two nephews, Stefan Gilbert Pasymowski and James Flint Burling.

A celebration of life will be held at the family’s home on Nauset Heights on Friday, June 30th @ 3:30 pm. Yes, Bill, Van Morrison will be played. Don’t worry.