Dr. Burton Cunin

Dr. Burton Maurice Cunin of Simsbury, Connecticut, passed away on December 31, 2021, at the age of 85. Burton was born in Allentown, PA in 1936 to Harry and Fay Getz Cunin. Harry was a country doctor and Burton knew by age five that he wanted to be a be a physician like his dad. Burton did his undergraduate work at Franklin & Marshall College, where he played clarinet with the marching band. He received his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and interned at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.

In 1963, Burton married Ruth Cederbaum and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Tokyo, Japan, where he served as a captain in the Medical Corps and where his son Joseph was born. In the following years Joseph was joined by siblings Elizabeth and Benjamin.

Burton completed his residency in ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, PA in 1962. The family moved to Connecticut in 1969 and Burton began his medical practice in ophthalmology. Together with his partner, Dr. Malcom Roth, Burton opened the first outpatient eye surgery center in Connecticut.

Burton loved sailing and spent many weekends racing his J-Boat and cruising. He was an avid skier as well and loved the Western slopes. Burton also had a passion for travel and photography and spent spare time in his darkroom developing his own photographs.

In 1984, Burton married the late Carol Susan Lazarus. Together they traveled the world and shared their love of art, music, and literature, and were active patrons of the arts. Burton retired in 2007 and he and Carol split their retirement years between Simsbury, CT and their “heart’s home” in Tucson, AZ. Burton and Carol shared a love for entertaining with many wonderful lifelong friends.

Burton was predeceased by his beloved wife and soulmate, Carol. He leaves his son Joseph and husband Sylvan; daughter Elizabeth and husband Douglas, and grandchildren Nathaniel and fiancée Leanne, and Kaitlin; and son Benjamin and partner Martha, and granddaughter Sofia and fiancé Liam;sister Elise, niece Erica and nephew Andrew, and predeceased by his brother-in-law, Marlowe.

Burton touched the lives of many patients with his professionalism, skills, and compassion. An enduring intellectual vigor, along with a love for fine dining and stimulating conversation engaged his many friends. He will always be remembered by all of those who loved him.

Funeral services will be held graveside on Tuesday, January 4th at 2:00 PM at the Hartford Mutual Society Park cemetery at 74 Wolcott Rd., Simsbury, CT, Rabbi James Rosen presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or to the charity of your choice.