DAYTONA BEACH, Fla -- Dennis Burns, who headed up the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties, died Sunday night at his home in Ormond Beach. He was 65.
Burns, the president and CEO of the non-profit organization, since 2015, is survived by his wife, Mary, and their three children. His cause of death has not been released, though it is believed to be heart-related, according to Courtney Edgcomb, the organization's vice president, who added funeral arrangements are still being made by the family.
News of Burns' sudden death brought sadness to at least one public figure. "Very sad to hear of the passing of a great leader of the Volusia-Flagler United Way," Mark Geallis, executive director of the First Step homeless shelter under construction in Daytona, wrote on his own Facebook page. "RIP Dennis Burns."
Geallis said Burns had a lot to offer those truly in need and that his sudden passing leaves a great void. "His compassion to the less fortunate in our community, fun-loving spirit and mentorship to myself and others will be greatly missed," Geallis said of Burns.
News of Dennis Burns' sudden death brought sadness to at least one public figure. "Very sad to hear of the passing of a great leader of the Volusia-Flagler United Way," Mark Geallis, executive director of the First Step homeless shelter under construction in Daytona and formerly of Halifax Urban Ministries, wrote on his own Facebook page. "RIP Dennis Burns."
Geallis said Burns had a lot to offer those truly in need and that his sudden passing leaves a great void. "His compassion to the less fortunate in our community, fun-loving spirit and mentorship to myself and others will be greatly missed," Geallis said of Burns.
Burns had worked for the United Way for two decades Before that, he worked in development at the Heart of Florida United Way in Orlando. Burns also volunteered on various community boards and committees, including, but not limited to the Commission on Homelessness for Volusia & Flagler Counties, One Voice for Volusia, Flagler Cares and the Daytona Beach Rotary Club.