Matthew K. "Chewy" Burns, 56, of New Castle, passed away 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2018, at his residence. Matthew was born April 12, 1962, in New Castle, a son of the late Paul Eugene and Maxine (Cooper) Burns. Chewy, as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, was a 1980 graduate of New Castle High School and later attended Slippery Rock University for two years. He was self-employed as a contractor.

Chewy was a member of St. Mary's Church, Mary, Mother of Hope Parish. He enjoyed the outdoors, particularly while camping, fishing, hunting and golfing. Chewy participated in various bowling leagues and was a sponsor of the annual Big Brothers "Bowl For Kid's Sake" tournament. He loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. Chewy will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

Surviving are: a son, Matthew J. Scrim, New Castle; four sisters, Marian Ciavarino, Maureen Burns and Nina Scrim and her husband, Jeffrey, all of New Castle, and Maxine Burns of Savannah, Ga.; two brothers, Mark Burns and his wife, Brenda, Lawrenceville, Ga., and Thomas Leo Burns, Edinburg; a brother-in-law, Dick Crowe, Neshannock Twp.; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

Besides his parents, Chewy was preceded in death by two sisters, Phyllis Crowe and Barb Baxter; four brothers, Paul, Patrick, Michael and Larry Burns; and a sister-in- law, Cynthia Burns. The family would like to extend a special thank you to his friends and care givers, Gary Cotelesse and John Peterson.

Memorial Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2018, in St. Mary's Church, with Rev. Zachary Galiyas, parochial vicar, as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.