Nelson S. Burbank, a longtime resident of Reading, passed away at his home on August 29, 2019 at 98 years of age. He was born on September 16, 1920 in Winchester, MA and was the son of Willis H. and Vivian (Casson) Burbank. In his hometown of Reading, Nelson was active in various philanthropic projects including the Burbank Ice Arena and the Burbank YMCA.

Nelson served in the Army Air Force during WWII, in the first B-29 Bomb Wing. He flew 33 missions as a remote central fire control gunner over China, Burma, Japan and India where he survived a crash landing. Among his decorations, he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters.

In 1946, Nelson joined the investment firm of Vance Sanders and Company.  Under the G.I. Bill of Rights, he attended Boston University. In 1953, he founded Burbank & Co., Inc. with offices throughout New England. Burbank & Co., Inc. was acquired by investment firm A.G. Edwards and Sons in 1982. His legacy lives on today at Burbank Wealth Management. He was Chairman of the Board of Governors, of the Boston Stock Exchange, Chairman of the NASD District 13 Business Conduct Committee, and served on the Board of Governors of the National Association of Securities Dealers. He was also president of the Bond Club of Boston. He served on the Board of Directors of A.G. Edwards and Sons, Massbank Corporation, Health Insurance of Vermont, and New England Digital Corp.

Nelson was happily married to the love of his life, the late Rita (Healey) Burbank for 63 years. He was the devoted father of Peter N. Burbank and his wife Sheila of Andover, Nelson S. Burbank, Jr. and his wife Joan of York Harbor, ME, Jane Burbank and her companion Rich Meelia of Winchester. Loving grandfather of Kara Burbank and husband Michael Furlong, Mary Burbank, Peter N. Burbank, Jr., Michael Burbank and fiancée Amy Festa, Alexis Burbank and fiancé Jamie Marino, Whitney Burbank, Paul Perry and Vivian Perry and fiancé Benjamin McClellan. Loving great-grandfather of Ryan, Dylan and Miller Furlong. Cherished uncle of Richard Holt and his wife Barbara, grand uncle of Alex Holt and wife Felice and their son Noah, and Nick and wife Julie.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 4, at the St. Athanasius Parish Center, 300 Haverhill St., Reading, from 4:00-8:00PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 5, at St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill St., Reading, at 10:30AM. Burial with military Honors will follow at Forest Glen Cemetery in Reading. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Burbank's memory to the Burbank YMCA, 36 Arthur B. Lord Dr., Reading, MA 01867 or the Burbank Ice Arena, 51 Symonds Way, Reading, MA 01867. For directions and online guest book visit johnbdouglassfuneralhome.com Arrangements under the direction of the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, READING.