Michael Burns

Michael Joseph Burns
February 18, 1943 – September 10, 2025
Michael Joseph Burns passed away at his Scottdale home on September 10, 2025, after a 17-month battle with advanced prostate cancer caused by Agent Orange exposure while serving in the Marine Corps. Mike is survived by Emma, his devoted wife of 60 years, their children Michael (Susan), Jeffrey (Lisa), Tricia (Brett Shelton), and Stephen (Suzanne) as well as his grandchildren: Stephanie (Matthew Paro), Megan, Katelyn, Kathryn, Alex, Benjamin, Isabella, Sydney, James, Holt, June, Louis, and great-grandson Emmett.
Born to Michael and Ellen Burns in Passaic, NJ, Mike is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul and Jeffrey, as well as sister Marilyn Valerius. He is survived by his older sister Margaret Carey, numerous nieces, and a nephew.
As a senior in high school, Mike was awarded an academic scholarship and attended Seton Hall University. As a sophomore, he transferred to William Paterson University where he met Emma on the college newspaper. Inspired after hearing presidential candidate John F. Kennedy speak in person, he was accepted into the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in October 1961. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1964 following his college graduation. He and Emma were married on December 19, 1964. In October 1965, Mike was deployed to Vietnam serving with Second Battalion, Third Marines until November 1966. While in Vietnam, Mike was involved in six major combat operations and was promoted to Captain. After active-duty discharge in 1967, Mike served in the Reserve until 1973.
Mike began his professional career at Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick, NJ. Using the GI Bill, he attended Seton Hall Law School in the evenings while continuing his business career with International Paper and American Brands. Just prior to his law school graduation in 1975, Mike accepted a position with Dutch Boy Paints. He was named president of Dutch Boy in 1978 at the age of 35, and subsequently as president of Rymer Corporation (Chicago), and Sea Watch International (Easton, MD). Prior to his retirement, Mike was named CEO of Pioneer Human Services (Seattle), a nonprofit social enterprise providing treatment, housing, job skills, and employment to individuals released from incarceration. In addition, Mike served on the board of Enzon Biotech Company when it developed a lifesaving drug for childhood leukemia.
Mike was a lifelong athlete playing baseball, tennis, softball, and hiking the trails of Arizona after retirement. As a father, he coached youth baseball, basketball, softball, and soccer. He loved annual family vacations and attending professional baseball games and tennis tournaments, including the US, French, and Australian Opens. He was also an avid landscape photographer, winning the Black Mountain calendar contest several years.
After being interviewed by a local high school student, his Vietnam service story was included in the 2016 Since You Asked publication by Veterans Heritage Project (now known as Imprints of Honor). He served six years on the Board of Directors for this non-profit organization dedicated to preserving veteran service stories that inspire students to live a life of honor.
As a lifelong Christian, Mike served on the Elder boards of numerous churches, facilitated Bible studies, and during retirement was appointed President of Pinnacle Forum, a national Christian businessman's organization. Mike also participated in his community (Winfield) as President of the Men's Club, Hiking Club coordinator, and Tennis Committee member.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 7, with a luncheon to follow, at Scottsdale Bible Church, Northridge Campus, 6363 E. Dynamite Blvd., Cave Creek AZ.
In honor of Mike's memory, donations can be made to Imprints of Honor