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John Burns Obituary
Vestal - John A. Burns, 86, of Vestal New York passed away peacefully on February 17, 2021 at the Mercy House.
John was the son of Harry and Laura Burns of Deposit, New York. On June 16, 1956, he married Barbara Robinson. The two were married for 63 ½ years before she passed away on December 16, 2019. John graduated from Deposit High School, the University of Michigan with a degree in Science Education, and Syracuse University with a Masters Degree in Education. He taught science in Bellevue, Michigan for two years before returning to New York to teach Biology at Vestal High School. In 1960, he created an Advanced Placement Program in Biology and took great pleasure in helping his students launch their careers in science.
In 1971, John moved into an administration position at VHS and served as an Assistant Principal until 1989. He then served as the Science and Math Coordinator, responsible for overseeing the programs in all elementary and secondary schools in the District until he retired in 1991.
In retirement, he and his wife Barbara became world travelers. Together, they visited over 40 countries. Some of John's favorite memories were of snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, playing golf in Fiji, and piloting a 50' yacht off Auckland, New Zealand.
At home in Vestal, John enjoyed golfing with his friends from the Vestal United Methodist Church, biking, and gardening with this wife. He took pride in having their garden featured in the Fine Arts Society's "Open to View" on three separate occasions. John was a devoted member of his church and the Questers Adult Sunday school class. He served on numerous church committees over the years, participated in the Methodist Wyoming Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, the Joint Committee on Incapacity, the Human Relations Committee, and was a "grunt with a shovel" when it was time to do the planting for the church's landscaping. John was also a gifted artist, working primarily with stained glass.
John's greatest joy in life was his family. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Barbara and his brother-in-law George Glass, and is survived by his son, Christopher and his wife Tracy; son Brian and his wife Elizabeth; grandchildren Meghan Hancock, Tony, Kevin, and Margaret Burns; in-laws Linda Glass, Philip Robinson and Nancy Robinson, and many nieces and nephews.
The family is holding a private in person service on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 1:00 PM, which can be observed at https://youtu.be/AufFmtn_bAA. Arrangements are by the AEGIS CREMATION & FUNERAL SERVICES, 196 Clinton St. Binghamton, NY and expressions of condolences may be made at https://www.legacy.com/search.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mercy House, 212 N. McKinley Ave, Endicott NY 13760 or to the John and Barbara Burns Scholarship through Vestal Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 959, Vestal, NY 13851-0959.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Burns
Sponsored by the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin.
Holli Myers
February 15, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of "burnzi´s" passing. He always had wisdom to explain how I was wrong...I will be forever grateful. Love n peace ~ Holli Steenburg-Myers class of 1984.
Jeff McPartland
March 12, 2022
Condolences to Mr. Burns´ family. I took Biology under Mr. Burns and I really did not like the dissections or the subject all that much but I was impressed by his teaching style and how he presented the subject matter. A really fine teacher who was honest and direct and it was evident he liked teaching and us. Rest In Peace, my friend and teacher.
todd paricio
February 9, 2022
so sorry to hear the loss of Mr. Burns. he made my years in high school feel like a small personal school. plain down to earth honest approach that I respected. condolences to the Burns family
Jacqui Hess
February 27, 2021
Mr. Burns was tough with a heart of gold. I am so sorry for your loss and so many others who knew him. He caught me in the ladies room and I told him I was looking for a contact. Well we all know how that turned out. I thought of him often and will pray for you and your family now. My heart hurts for you with so many memories of him and my high school years.
Cynthia Moro
February 27, 2021
I met this incredible man at Lourdes a little over a year ago. I knew he was special the day I met him. It was always a pleasure to see him and he always took an interest in what I was doing. My husband and I are avid outdoors people; hiking, biking, gardening. Mr. Burns was always very interested in our adventures. My heart goes out to this family. I will miss his smile, big heart and gentle demeanor.
Nancy Hill Lafy
February 24, 2021
This wonderful man was my favorite teacher. I was his in his biology class in 1959. I became hospitalized for several weeks and the only books I wanted were my biology books so I could keep up with the lessons. He was a devoted, caring and inventive teacher. And, I ended up in the medical field for many years because of his inspiration. I never forgot his kindness when I was ill, and have kept him in my thoughts for the past 60 years. Bless him.
Bill Pendlebury
February 24, 2021
My deepest Condolences on the passing of a wonderful human being, educator, father and friend to many.
Jim Monaghan
February 24, 2021
Sincere condolences to the Burns family. My parents were old friends of Mr. Burns when they both started teaching at Vestal. Such a great man.
Ann Pralat
February 23, 2021
John Burns was my assistant principal in high school. In my junior year when I was only 16 my mother died from cancer. Without Mr. Burns I don't know if I would of graduated. He was compassionate, caring and supportive. An amazing man. God Bless to John and his family.
Duane and Sue Miles Nichols
February 22, 2021
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of this wonderful father, grandfather, uncle and dear friend. His loss will be felt by his family and the many friends he had across the country and beyond.
Holli Steenburg-Myers
February 22, 2021
I am so saddened to hear of “Burnzys” passing. I am happy to read how full of life they both were. I’m sure they’re still sitting atop a mountain, swimming with dolphins and as long as they’re together I am sure they are watching over their family. I don’t think I would’ve graduated if it wasn’t for all the chances he gave me. Peace and love to all of you who had the privilege of knowing them both. Holli Steenburg-Myers...class of 1984. Thanks Burnzy.
Fred Stoss
February 22, 2021
Mr. Burns... I took A.P. Biology from him, my senior year, 1967-1968, at Vestal High School. He and Mr. (Robert) Ross wrote letters of recommendation for my entrance into Hartwick College, where I graduated with a B.A. in Biology. I would later earn a M.S. degree in zoology and have eight years of toxicology research, and make a career change When I obtained a Master of Library Science degree an embark on a 39-year career as a science librarian. I was hired as the Biological Sciences Librarian at the SUNY University at Buffalo 25-years ago, and moment He tenured rank of Full Librarian. NONE OF THIS would have been possible were it not for Mr. Burns stimulating and instilling in me. a deep deep sense of wonder, excitement, and awe in things biological. Thank you so much for providing me those gifts. I am deeply indebted.
Barb Kuhns
February 21, 2021
Chris and Brian,
My heart goes out to you and your families in your loss. I will miss your father, my cousin, my genealogy partner, but most of all, my friend.
You're dad's help was invaluable to me as I researched our branch of our Burns family tree. In addition, his expertise in biology was instrumental to helping me pass my college bio classes. I will miss his warmth, humor, insight and our many conversations.
Your father was loved and touched so many lives, he will be very missed.
Bob Ambrose
February 21, 2021
Mr. Burns was one of my favorite teachers at Vestal High. He was friendly, kind, funny, and smart. I still remember the fetal pigs that pairs of us dissected in his class. As a result, I majored in biology in college. Go in peace and love, John Burns.
Gary Vigeant
February 21, 2021
A true man of Honor. So glad I was able to apologize to him a few years ago. Being generous, he told me I wasn't that bad, at least I made things interesting! Very grateful for him.
Janet Sullivan-Doud
February 21, 2021
I always admired you, you looked at things fairly, and knew one act does not define you. Thank you, Mr. Burns, for being a wonderful human being. My deepest sympathies to all who love you.
Vestal High School 1978
Timothy Traver
February 21, 2021
Timothy Traver
February 21, 2021
Mr. Burns was a kind and understanding man, he was much respected at the Vestal High School. Chris and Brian, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Michael, Christine, Jessica and Emily Juozitis
February 21, 2021
He will be missed by the Juozitis Family. We were so fortunate to live next door to John and Barbara for all these years. We will keep your parents forever in our hearts and prayers.
Lisa Hale Borg
February 21, 2021
Mr. Burns was a wonderful principal who I admired greatly! Though I spent way too much time in his office, he was always kind to me and made me laugh. He was a great man and I feel lucky to have known him. May he rest in Peace. ❤
Sue Barno Ward
February 21, 2021
Chris and Brian — I am so very sorry to hear of your Dads passing. I have great memories w you both and your Mom and Dad at your family home in Vestal!! Loved Sunday afternoons when your Dad would bake cookies—his warm and welcoming ways, snd his smile. May he Rest In Peace w your Mom. Sue Barno Ward
William Teegarden
February 21, 2021
Mr. Burns was a great guy. I managed to wind up in his office only twice, but he was a fair, humorous, gentle man. God Rest him, and Bless his family.
Christine Pimentel
February 21, 2021
Mr Burns was an amazing role model in my high school years. Condolences to the Burns family.
Peter Makres
February 21, 2021
I have many memories of Mr. Burns from my time at VHS. As an assistant principal he was very compassionate and well respected. Rest in Peace, Mr. Burns. Deepest condolences to Mr. Burns' family and friends.
Adrianne Storti
February 20, 2021
I celebrate your life and knowing you, Mr. Burns! You were my favorite administrator and thank you for a second chance during high school when I was off grounds. Then I saw you at a wedding some years later —you remembered me and were very kind and exuberant about life. Glad you enjoyed your life traveling and your family to it’s best ever possible. From now on—by your example—I’m going to do the same!!! Air Hugs
Love,
Adrianne
Dinoff
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