John C. Burns, III
Dateline: Mansfield, MA
John C. Burns, III, 64, of Mansfield died on Tuesday June 23, 2009 at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington in the presence of his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Stephanie A. (Lambert) Burns who passed away on May 1, 2009. Mr. and Mrs. Burns were wed on June 29, 1968.
Born in Arlington, MA on December 21, 1944 he was a dear son of Catherine (Gillis) Burns of Arlington and the late John C. Burns, II.
John grew up in Cambridge and was a 1962 graduate of BC High School. He furthered his studies to obtain his Bachelor of Science Degree in education from Boston College in 1966 and in 1972 received his Masters in Education Degree from Boston State University.
Mr. Burns began his teaching career in Norwood and from 1966-1998 was a fifth grade school teacher at the Balch School in Norwood. He was later promoted to Principle of the Oldham School in Norwood in 1998 and retired in 2005. John was a firm believer in education and lived by the motto “To teach is to touch a life.”
In addition to education John also loved sports. For many years he served as Head Basketball Coach at Millis High School, was a coach for Mansfield Little League, Soccer and Basketball. In 1971 he co-founded the Mansfield Senior League and was also the founder of the former Mansfield Baseball School. John also helped run the Boston College Summer Basketball Camp.
John enjoyed golfing and was a former member of the Norton Country Club. For many years he taught adult education and driver education both at Millis High School.
A communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Mansfield, John’s greatest gift in life was his family, he loved being in there presence, especially with his adoring grandchildren who fondly called him “Happy”.
A resident of Mansfield for the past 39 years he had formerly resided in Walpole and Cambridge.
In addition to his mother he is survived by his devoted children Christine Burns-Balunas of Mansfield, Shawn C. Burns of Peoria, Arizona, Michelle O’Connor and her husband David of Mansfield and the late Michael J. Burns who passed away on July 2, 1995. He was the brother of Anne Burns of Allston, Kathleen Mayer of Boulder, Colorado, Paul Burns, Michael Burns and Mary Sortino all of Arlington. Also surviving are his cherished grandchildren Shawn Burns, Ashley Balunas, Kayla O’Connor and Kelsey O’Connor all of Mansfield as well as many nieces and nephews.
His funeral, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Friday June 26th at 8:00 A.M. from the Sherman & Jackson Funereal Home 55 North Main St. Mansfield followed by a mass of Christian burial celebrated at 9:00 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church 330 Pratt St. (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Mansfield.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday June 25th from 5-8 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers John’s family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the Michael J. Burns Scholarship Fund care of North Easton Savings Bank 71 Copeland Drive Mansfield, MA 02048.
For additional information please visit www.shermanjackson.com