Final Salute

Malcolm (Mac) O. Burgess, born on April 28, 1928, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, at the age of 98. He was the husband of the late Beverly (Cushman) Burgess, who preceded him in death on April 25, 2022.
Mac was born in Sebec, Maine, the beloved son of the late William Burgess and Leona Johnston Burgess. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, William T. Burgess, Jr., and James Burgess.
After high school, Mac pursued his love of baseball by trying out for the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox, but his baseball career did not end there. Mac was selected to play baseball for the U.S Navy Seabees while deployed to Greenland during the Korean conflict, where he proudly served his country. He was employed by Northeast Utilities, retiring as a supervisor after thirty-two years of dedication. He was a longtime member of the Torrington Elks Lodge #372.
Inspired by his love of horses, Mac devoted much time to a hobby that brought him many years of enjoyment and friendships. As a Morgan horse trainer, Mac became well known throughout Northwest Connecticut. With Betty by his side, he competed in many shows, winning ribbons and earning the nickname “The Horse Whisperer.” Through his travels and events, Mac made many connections in the circuit. During yearly trips to auctions in Pennsylvania, Mac befriended and earned the respect of many Amish families and others because of their shared values and mutual interests. His talents were also used to restore antique horse-drawn carriages and sleighs that were used in shows and sold at these auctions. Eventually, his expertise led him to become a certified judge in competitive horse-drawn competitions. Mac was sought out by many colleagues to drive their horses and ponies in many parades, including the Milwaukee Circus Parade and in a production of the Opera ‘Aida’ at the Hartford Civic Center.
Mac made many connections with blacksmiths that prepared the Budweiser Clydesdale horses the night before the yearly Macy’s Day parade in New York City.
During his thirty-six years of retirement, Mac continued to remain active. He and Betty spent Winters in Florida and enjoyed many road trips. Together they cruised to the Caribbean, the Mississippi River, and Mexico. As season ticket holders, Mac and Betty could be found on many evenings rooting for the Torrington Twisters.
Mac is survived by his children: his son Stephen Burgess (Ann) of Naugatuck, CT, and his daughters Stephanie Sikora (RJ Deceased) of O’Brien, FL, and Diane Carroll (Ed) of Torrington, CT. Mac’s extended family includes his 106-year-old cousin, Priscilla Johnston Clark, whose presence was a blessing throughout his life. In addition, he is survived by several nieces and nephews. Mike Burgess of Wells, Maine, Cheryl Doucette of Augusta, Maine, Mike Blake of Dexter, Maine, and Scott Burgess of California.
His role as a grandfather brought him immense happiness. His grandchildren lovingly remember Papa/Gramp: Matthew Matiacio (Andrea), Michelle Morton (Joshua), Brendan Burgess (Liz), William Burgess (Honor Lawler), Brice Burgess (Tunny), Benjamin Carroll, and Reece Carroll (Emily). The lineage of love continued to grow with his great-grandchildren: Sophie and Summer Morton, Theodore, Philip, Calvin Burgess, and Wyatt Carroll.
Funeral services will be held in the Chapel at Hillside Cemetery, Walnut Street, Torrington, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., where full military honors will be accorded.
In place of flowers, please consider donations to Friendly Hands, 789 Winsted Road, Torrington, CT 06790 or your local veterans’ organization. Condolences may be sent to the Burgess family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com