The most amazing man I ever knew passed away suddenly December 10, 2020. Born in Philadelphia March 16, 1950 to John Burns and Eileen Kennedy Burns, life started throwing Mark curve balls very early, losing his eyesight by age 3 to Retinoblastoma; but life had no idea with whom it was dealing. Mark was always headstrong, independent, and driven to thrive. He attended Overbrook School for the Blind and graduated in 1968, while lettering in several sports and excelling in academics. He continued his education at Dickinson College and finished at Duquesne in the computer science fields. It was while at Dickinson that he meet the love of his life, Pamela Awkerman. They married in 1972 and began the first of many moves to Florida. Not long after, Mark began working for the Department to the Navy in Arlington, VA. After years of the cold it was back to Florida and it was then that Mark began working for Palm Beach County in a variety of positions ending his career with PBC-ISS. We lost Pam in December 2017 and it is our solace to know that they are now together and happy, celebrating their favorite holiday.
Mark is survived by his mother Eileen Dario, sister Lynn Baynes (Michael), nephew Derrick Peterson, niece Victoria (Michael) Harrison and family, all of Lantana, also by sister-in-law Paula Synder and family of Carlyle, PA, and step sisters and their families Mary Ann Dario and Lisa DiProspero.
But mostly Mark is survived by a network, wide and varied, of the most fantastic friends and coworkers, with my special thanks to Stuart. He cherished you all and we are grateful for the love and support you shared with him.
Donation suggestions, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and National Federation of the Blind.
We will wait until after the first of the year to finalize our cigar celebration, but I guarantee we will laugh and make him proud. Bottoms up bro!

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Palm Beach Post from Dec. 16 to Dec. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Burns

Sponsored by All County Funeral Home & Crematory - Lake Worth.

8 Entries

Brenda Byrom

June 5, 2025

I have been searching for Mark and Pam by email, phone to invite them to experience Mexico with us. We had such great times going out to restaurants bars, home party's and dinners. We had wonderful stories to tell about our trips to Key West and the fun adventures we had. Never bored always upbeat and ready for a new challenge. He was a great friend who we met at the Red Lion telling blind jokes He will always be a part of our fond memories and we still tell many stories of our times together.
He made me realize no matter what the world throws at you there is away to have fun and get over most of what you are delt with. my condolences to his family. He will be missed . Brenda and Colin Byrom

Wanda Wayne

July 15, 2022

To the Family of Mark Burns, So sorry for your loss. I just found this information about Mark. Mark was one of my favorite people when he was a Purchasing Agent I had the pleasure of working with while I was at Dell. I was lucky enough to meet Mark in person after we built a wonderful friendship via phone in the mid 90´s then finally met during a Technology show. He showed me his office where his collection of model cars he built were on display! I´ve always thought Mark was a wonderful man and I missed his friendship after I left the company. Although he´s been gone for 2 yrs I hope this reaches the family to let them know that it´s been more than 2 decades since I spoke to Mark but just want you to know I still have fond memories of our friendship.
Sincerely
Wanda Wayne

Lynne Butzirus

December 22, 2020

I have been Mark and Pam hairdresser for so many years. In fact he had an appointment today and while waiting for him I called both his phone numbers, and I found out on Google that he had passed away. I would love it if somebody could call me at a better cut salon 684-5757. He’s was an amazing man with an amazing spirit. He missed Pam so very much and often expressed his wish to be with her. God bless him and family , Lynne

Marlen LaBianco

December 18, 2020

I first got to know Mark on the phone when he was my god-saving lifeline for all computer needs whilst I worked at PBC HR department. Our conversations were always informative, helpful, funny and caring. Once I transferred to ISS, I would see and chat with Mark daily as he took his breaktime walk on our fourth floor balcony. He was a wonderful human being and the only consolation is that he's reunited with his beloved Pam. Rest in Power, Mark - you will be missed!

Steve Bordelon

December 17, 2020

My sincere condolences are offered to Mark’s family and his many friends. He was truly a unique man who possessed in-depth knowledge on a wide range of topics and could regale a crowd with his dissertations. I had the pleasure of working with Mark for almost 22 years and always admired his strength of character and obvious intelligence. He loved his collection of sport car models and was a connoisseur of fine cigars. I will never forget you Mark! Rest In Peace my friend.

Suzanne McIntyre

December 17, 2020

Mark was always happy, and willing to share that happiness to anyone around him. I enjoyed every conversation I had with him throughout the years. He was knowledgeable and exceptionally helpful. I know that he is in a better place, especially to be with the love of his life once again. He will be sorely missed by so many. RIP my friend! May God bring peace to all of Mark's family and friends.

Linda Macapayag

December 17, 2020

I got the pleasure of working with Mark - from another PBC Department - for many years. In addition to all of the help he provided me and many others over the years, we also sometimes enjoyed some good conversation. He is and will continue to be missed for a long time to come! My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. I would like to think his broken heart is now healed and he is seeing the love of his life in a way he never did before.

Steve PBC ESS

December 17, 2020

My condolence to Marks family. I shared many elevator rides and breaks outside the PBC governmental center talking about the Philadelphia sport team we shared a love hate relationship towards. God Bless Mark, RIP.

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