Former WHAV broadcaster and Haverhill Gazette Sports Editor Frederick B. Burnham, 81, passed away Nov. 29, at The Oxford in Haverhill.
Born in Haverhill, he was the son of the late Frederick and Mary (Kerrigan) Burnham. Raised in Haverhill, he attended St. Gregory Grammar School and St. James High School in Haverhill. Burnham was a graduate of Leland Powers College of Radio and Broadcasting in Boston. He had an illustrious career in sports as a broadcaster and writer. His work included broadcasting at WKOP, Binghamton, N.Y.; WCAP, Lowell; and WHAV, Haverhill. He was the sports editor for the Haverhill Gazette. He reported from 18 World Series and at the 1970 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race for The Gazette. He retired after 22 years in sports. Burnham also served as director of public relations at the former Hale Hospital before he retired and was a past Grand Knight of Bishop Minihan Council 202, Knights of Columbus in Haverhill. He was a well-respected sports writer and commentator and will be remembered for his love and passion for sports, both locally and abroad.
Burnham leaves many close friends, including former Haverhill Mayor William H. Ryan; former Beverly Mayor Jack Monahan; Mike Ryan, former catcher for the Boston Red Sox; and John Paolino, prominent Haverhill teacher and coach. Many of his friends that are deceased include former Haverhill City Councilor and School Committee member Marjorie E. Goudreault; Tom Vartabedian, Gazette sports reporter; Fred Tilton, publisher of the Somerville Journal; Chuck Snow, Haverhill Gazette reporter; Vin Driscoll, Haverhill Gazette city editor; Bill Pike, WHAV radio announcer and Lynn Item reporter; the Kenoza Avenue Associates, Eddie Basmajian of Armory Confectionary Store; Lennie Goudreault of Ryan Auto Radiator Shop; and John T. Sullivan, commander of VFW Post 29 Haverhill.
Calling hours are Thursday, Dec. 5 from 4-7 p.m., at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Funeral services begin Friday morning at 9 in the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. James Church, Winter Street, Haverhill, at 10. Burial follows in St. James Cemetery, Primrose Avenue, Haverhill. Donations may be made in his memory to the Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA 02445.