Stephen J. Burns

Stephen J. Burns passed away on August 12, 2025, two weeks after receiving a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Steve was the second of ten children, and was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph S. and Helen F. Burns, and his sister, Eileen Burns Vander Nat. He was a beloved older brother to his eight remaining siblings, Christopher Burns (Dorothy), Kathie Lee (Don), Regina Crane (Bill), Patricia Ray (Tate), Therese Rosenfeld (John), Colleen Burns (Mark), Michael Burns (Betsy), and Matthew Burns (Jodi), as well as a favorite uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

Steve was named All Around Student twice at Canevin High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. In his senior year, Steve was Student Council President and a member of Canevin's 1969 state champion basketball team. He went on to earn a B.A. in History from Duke University with high honors. After college, he attended Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD, earning a Master of Divinity. He served in St. Joseph's Parish in the Manchester neighborhood of Pittsburgh, as well as St. Thomas More Parish in Bethel Park, PA. Although he never became a Catholic Priest, he remained a member of St. Thomas More for many years and his Catholic faith was a central part of his life.

In his early twenties, Steve taught himself to play guitar, and began a career as a singer. For decades he worked for Club Med, which was a natural fit since he was fluent in the French language, and could compose and sing in both French and English. His reputation as an engaging performer took him to Club Med resorts all over the globe.

Steve's quick wit and sense of humor were trademarks of his personality, as were his kindness and thoughtfulness. His lifelong friends can attest to this, as can the many people Steve impacted over the years.

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Pines in Mt. Lebanon for their compassionate care at the end of his life.

Friends are invited to a Funeral Mass at St. Thomas More at 10:00 am on September 9th, followed by a graveside remembrance at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.