Ed Burns was born and raised in Astoria, Queens in New York City. He spent every summer of his childhood fishing, claming and swimming at Rockaway Beach, NYC, where in addition to his parents, Josephine and John, his sister, Joan and his brother, Pat, he was reared by his extended family: Grandmother Octavia Fitzgerald, nee Johanson; grandmother Mary Burns, nee Gail and grandpa Andy Burns.
Ed graduated from mostly Catholic institutions, St. Joseph's, Astoria, St. Ann's Academy, NYC, St. John's University, B.S. and New York University, M.A.
He has been married to Molly McKenna since 1960 and they have three children: Mary, Edward and Brian. The extended family now consists of: Mary, Otto, Alexander, Matt and Jack; Christy, Eddie, Grace and Finn; Kelly, Brian, James, Cameron and Mack.
Following a twenty-seven year career in the New York City Police Department, where his second job was teaching as an Adjunct Professor of Communications at New York University, he retired to become a partner in a NYC public relations corporation.
In 1997 he started his painting education under the guidance of Mr. Everett Molinari. He first took lessons privately and then at the prestigious Salmagundi Art Club in New York City. Mr. Burns is still a student of Mr. Molinari.
His paintings are privately held.
