Joseph F. Burns, Sr.

Joseph F. Burns, Sr., 85, of Pottsville, passed away Wednesday, October 1st, at The Gardens at York Terrace, Pottsville, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Born in St Clair on March 13, 1940, he was the son of the late Rita (Schauer) Francis W. Burns.

Married on April 16, 1966, Joseph was the husband of Cecilia (Muldowney) Burns.

Joseph was a graduate of Nativity BVM High School.

Throughout his career, he was employed at Ost & Ost and Exxon Chemical.

Joseph was a member of St. John’s The Baptist Church, Pottsville. Joseph was also a life member of Yorkville Hose Fire Co., a member of Seneca Farm Hunters Association, and the cofounder of Gear Grinder Hot Rod Association.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children: Joann Burns, wife of Michael Pogirski, of Pottsville; Joseph F. Burns, Jr., husband of Christine, of Orwigsburg; and Bridget Burns, of Pottsville. He is also survived by grandchildren: Matthew Seltzer, fiancé of Kelley Novogratz; Michael Seltzer, fiancé of Danyelle Mates; Cassidy Burns; Ethan Burns; Reese Burns; Jani Burns, fiancé of Damien Whalen; Jasper Burns; Jakob Burns, fiancé of Morgan Kromanocker; Nicholas Kerby, husband of Maddie Consugar; Carter Kerby; Joseph & Faith Schwartz; a soon-to-be great grandson, Harvey Joseph Whalen; a sister, Annmarie, wife of Steve Zinda, of Seltzer City; a brother, Kevin Burns, husband of James Rayner, of Media, PA; several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 4, at Lord Ebling Haus Funeral Home & Crematory, Pottsville. A visitation will be held from 9 AM until the beginning of services. Interment will be private at the family’s convenience.

Memorial donations in Joseph’s memory can be made to Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St., Pottsville, PA 17901 or Schuylkill County Special Olympics, 2158 Avenue C, Ste 201 Bethlehem, PA 18017 - please include “Schuylkill County” in the subject line.