Stanley R. Burley | Funeral director, 79

Stanley Reed Burley, 79, of Willingboro, a longtime funeral director at Anderson Funeral Service in Trenton, died of a heart attack on Friday, Dec. 3, at his home.

Mr. Burley was born and raised in LaMott and graduated from Cheltenham High School in 1951. He served in the Air Force from 1952 to 1956.

From an early age, Mr. Burley helped out at Fairview Cemetery in Willow Grove. His father was one of the founders, and Mr. Burley sat on the board of directors for most of his adult years.

This involvement sparked his interest in the funeral business. Following his military service, Mr. Burley worked at Beckett's Funeral Home in Philadelphia, assisting with errands.

In 1968, he took a job in the copy department at General Electric Co. He remained there for 23 years, retiring in 1991, before joining Anderson Funeral Service.

Mr. Burley received a degree in mortuary science from Mercer County College in 1993. He also had a degree from Temple University, from which he graduated in 1962, his family said.

Mr. Burley worked as a funeral director at Anderson for 17 years, retiring in 2008. Shortly afterward, he returned to work part-time. He was scheduled to direct a funeral the day he died.

Mr. Burley is survived by his wife of 43 years, Arsene Cauthorn Burley, a sister, and a stepdaughter.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at Anderson Funeral Service, 300 N. Willow St., Trenton, and from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Salem Baptist Church, 610 Summit Ave., Jenkintown.

A funeral will follow at the church. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery, Willow Grove.