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John Burns Obituary
NORTH GREENBUSH - John M. Burns Sr., 85, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Van Rensselaer Manor. Born and educated in Troy, he was the son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Ryan) Burns. Mr. Burns was a U.S. Army Veteran. He retired as Chief of Police for the East Greenbush Police Department. He was a former Troy Police officer and Rensselaer County Sheriff. Mr. Burns was a former officer of the Troy PBA and a member of the Fraternal Order of the Chief of Police.
He is survived by his children, Colleen Burns, John (Deb) Burns Jr., Erin (Michaelle) Burns, Patricia (Kirk) Burns-Zelenke and Daniel Burns; his stepchildren, Sean (the late Barbara) Kirker and Eileen Kirker; his brother, Joseph Burns; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Eileen Ryan Kirker Burns; his sister, Ellen Burns Lyman; and his stepson, Christopher (Janice) Kirker.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with John's family, Monday, April 21, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 391 Delaware Ave., Albany. His funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately following at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial contributions to Van Rensselaer Manor, 85 Bloomingrove Dr., B-1 Unit, Activities Fund on Behalf of John Burns, Troy, N.Y. 12180. Online condolences may be offered at danielkeenanfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Burns
6 Entries
John Ryan
April 19, 2025
"Suaimhneas Síoraí Air"
My condolences to the entire Burns family. Chief Burns was a leader and held us to high standards. He always had our backs. My tenure at EGPD provided the solid background as I moved to a larger PD in Troy. I can't say enough about the man. My God Bless him and keep him.
Lorraine B. Jacques
April 19, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lorraine B. Jacques
April 19, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
James G Gaul
April 18, 2025
I remember Chief Burns well he also was a good friend of my grandfather, A good person, and straight forward. God bless you Chief and all of you.
Helene Mayone-Reed
April 18, 2025
Colleen and Family,
I am sad to read of your dad's passing. I remember him being Chief of the East Greenbush Police Department. May he rest in peace and God Bless you all.
Joe De Seve (Det/retired)
April 18, 2025
To Jack's family my sincere condolences. I worked under Jack when he was Chief of East Greenbush Police Department. He was instrumental in bringing the department from its early beginnings to the stellar police department it is today. He was a " cops cop". I considered him a friend as well as my Chief! Rest peacefully Jack.
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