Norwalk honors longtime public servant Gregory D. Burnett Sr. at memorial service

Norwalk held a memorial service Sept. 8, 2025, at City Hall Concert Hall to honor Gregory D. Burnett Sr., a longtime city official, volunteer and mentor who died Aug. 28, 2025, at age 65. Family members, elected officials and community leaders described Burnett as a tireless public servant who “loved the city of Norwalk” and devoted decades to local boards and community programs. "He literally exemplified what it means to be a dedicated public servant," said Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz.

Burnett’s public roles and volunteer work formed the focus of tributes. He served on the Norwalk Board of Education, as chair of the Board of Estimate and Taxation, on the Board of Health and as an at-large member of the Norwalk Common Council where he was majority leader and chaired the Finance and Claims Committee. Mayor Harry W. Rilling, who delivered a eulogy, said Burnett “was the ultimate expert on process” and credited him with insisting on careful preparation and transparency in city finance matters.

Speakers highlighted Burnett’s mentoring of young people, work with the Norwalk Mentor Program and Project Uplift, and his volunteer leadership with the Norwalk branch of the NAACP, Omega Psi Phi fraternity and the Salvation Army. Colleagues recalled his work during the COVID-19 pandemic at vaccination clinics and food-distribution efforts. The service program and an obituary read at the service note that Burnett worked for IBM beginning in August 1983 and later served as executive talent program manager in Global Technology Services North America; he received fraternity and civic honors including the Omega Psi Phi International Superior Service Award and the Connecticut Council of Deliberation’s Silver Eagle Award.

Family members and friends described Burnett’s personal side: he was a devoted husband and father, an avid New York Knicks fan, a supporter of the Norwalk High School marching band and a grandfather who cherished his granddaughters. The obituary read at the service gives his birth date as Sept. 23, 1959, and lists survivors including his wife, Ava; sons Gregory Jr. and Justin; and granddaughters Viviana, Rayela and Amara.

Speakers also announced a lasting commemoration: the Norwalk Community Benefit Fund will rename an existing community-service scholarship to the Greg Burnett Community Scholarship, intended for a Norwalk high school student who demonstrates community service. Mayor Rilling said the change will ensure “Greg’s legacy of service” is recognized in future years.

The service included readings, musical selections and a benediction; attendees were invited to a repass at First Congregational Church on the Green following the program. The family requested that condolences and acknowledgments be directed as noted in the printed program.