Joseph T. Burns Jr.

Joseph T. Burns, Jr. 72, of Bonita Springs, FL died Friday, December 18, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on November 9, 1948 in Lowell, MA a son of the late Joseph T. and Hazel (Rowe) Burns, Sr. He had been a resident of Bonita Springs since 2000 coming from Stow, MA. 

After graduating from high school, he studied and became an HVAC technician. He worked for 23 years at the Emerson Hospital in Concord, MA in their HVAC department and after moving to Bonita Springs worked for Collier County in the same capacity, finally retiring in 2017. 

He was a former member of the Elks Lodge in Concord, MA. He was an avid woodworker and enjoyed spending time on the water. 

Joe was the consummate jokester and prankster. He always brought joy and happiness to all he knew by ensuring that all of his guests had a great time. He was the epic host of many epic parties. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Debra Ann Burns of Bonita Springs, FL; son, Kenneth D. Burns and his fiancé, Nicole Vizzini of Silver Spring, MD; daughter, Kelly A. Whitney and her husband, Todd of Lunenburg, MA and two grandchildren, Katelyn Whitney and Ryan Whitney. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Burns and his wife, Jackie of Lowell, MA; sister, Kathleen Bateman of Dracut, MA; sister-in-law, Leslie Yerardi and her husband, Richie of Rindge, NH; many nephews and cousins, countless “favorite” nieces and his beloved cat, Shylo. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Dick Burns, two sisters, Maureen Farmer and Sharon Beckwith and his brother-in-law, Jim Bateman. 

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 2, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Bedford Funeral Home 167 Great Road, Bedford, MA. Graveside services will be held at Westview Cemetery in Lexington, MA. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in memory of Joe may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.