John L. Burns

John L. Burns, age 85, of North Reading, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026.

Born on February 12, 1941, in Lynn, MA, John was the beloved son of the late Joseph H. Burns and Mary (Sweeney) Burns. He was raised in Charlestown and graduated from Cathedral High School in Boston.

Following his graduation from high school, John proudly enlisted in the United States Army on November 19, 1963. During his service, he was stationed in Germany, where he worked as an auto mechanic for more than a year. He was honorably discharged on October 7, 1965, and returned home to his beloved Charlestown and to the family and neighborhood he loved.

John later welcomed his only child, Ellen Burns, and embraced fatherhood with great pride and devotion. Being a dad was one of the greatest joys of his life, and he treasured the time he spent with Ellen.

For many years, John worked as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. Known for his dedication and friendly nature, he took great pride in his work and enjoyed the daily connections he made with the customers along his route.

In his spare time, John loved the outdoors. He enjoyed camping and bicycling and found great happiness in nature. Before becoming a parent, he also enjoyed traveling and exploring new places.

John will be remembered most for his deep love of family and his lifelong pride in his Charlestown roots. Even after moving away, he always considered himself a "Townie" at heart.

John was the devoted father of Ellen Burns of Newton. He was the dear brother of the late Mary Foote & her late husband David of Binghamton, NY, Dorothy Clark & her husband Paul of Wakefield, Brenda Coronite & her late husband Albert of South Weymouth, David Burns of Londonderry, NH, the late Joseph Burns & his wife Judy of Saugus, and the late Patricia Dooley & her late husband Leo of Reading. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for John will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John's name may be made to Beaverbrook STEP, Inc., 85 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Watertown, MA 02472.