John Burgess

John Burgess, 74, of Orleans, MA, died on January 8, 2021, following a stroke. He was a loving father, brother, companion and friend, and a news editor and writer in Boston for more than 30 years. Described by friends and family as brilliant, funny, kind and gentle | a literal gentleman | John made all our lives, and our writing, better. He was born in Baltimore and raised in Florida by parents John Jack Burgess and Pola (Carson) Burgess. John and his four younger brothers shared a love of summers at their grannys house in North Carolina. After college, John settled in Boston, where he worked as a bartender and cook at the Tam OShanter in Brookline, MA. He helped turn the Tam into a spot known for live music and good food, and met his future wife Laurie Losen, whom he married in 1986. John eventually transitioned to a career in journalism, as a freelancer and then managing editor at the Boston Phoenix. From 1989 to 2018, he was a copy editor for The Boston Globe. Colleagues remember his intelligence and warmth, wry wit, penchant for workday naps and fashionable socks. John and Laurie raised their daughters, Anna and Molly, in Needham, MA and remained friends and co-parents after their divorce. John was very proud of his daughters and told them he loved them often. John loved living with his life companion Barbara Ravage. They enjoyed gardening and cooking, yoga, following political news and admiring the ospreys that nested nearby. He loved bluegrass music, Southern food and good beer and whiskey. His home was filled with handmade artwork by friends and family. He had great style and an impressive hat collection. He will be fondly remembered and so, so missed. John is survived by his daughters Anna Burgess of Arlington, MA, and Molly Burgess of New York City; his life companion Barbara Ravage of Orleans, MA; his brothers Steve Burgess and wife Susan of Tallahassee; David Burgess and wife Ann of Tallahassee, and their children Taylor and Sarah; Bill Burgess and wife Maggie May of Monticello, FL; Tim Burgess and wife Patty of Canton, N.C., and their children Hannah and Ben and Bens wife Tabitha; and many friends. Donations in his memory may be made to the Equal Justice Initiative, Smile Train, The Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance. For a full version of his obituary and information about services, visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.