Mr Gregory "Punchy" John Burns

Mr. Gregory John Burns "Punchy" age 70, of Davie, Florida passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. He is survived by his wife Kathleen Burns, his children Jamie Burns, Jillian Farese and Sean Burns, his grandchildren Elisia Vargas, Gianna Vargas, Leilani Vargas, Victoriah Vargas, Avalee Perez, Jayden Farese and Jersey Farese. His Sister Rosemary Shanley and his Brother Robert L Cornish and 43 of 45 Nieces and Nephews and Many Many Many Great Nieces and Nephews. He is preceded in death by his father William Burns mother Rose Mary Burns, his brothers Jesse Hoffman and William "Butch" Hoffman, his sisters Elizabeth Bean, Barbara Cornish, Catherine Young, Margret "Peggy" Watson,

Gregory was born at home, in Newark, New Jersey, on Tuesday September 22, 1953 to the proud parents of William and Rose Burns.

In the late 1950s the family moved to East 2nd Avenue in Roselle, New Jersey, which is now infamously known as "The Barn". Gregory was raised here in Roselle and attended Harrison School. Later in life, he moved back into the family home and raised his family there until 2008. Then he became a resident of Davie, Florida and has lived here with his amazing wife Kathleen ever since.

In 1971 he met the love of his life Kathleen Alma Lebria. The two were inseparable nothing could stand in the way of their passionate and dedicated love. On May 15, 1977 on a beautiful spring day in Warinaco Park Roselle, New Jersey the two were married, surrounded by their families and friends, Thru the years; they enjoyed camping, being in the woods, hiking to waterfalls, going to the beach, staying at "The Cabin" at Marshalls Creek in the Poconos, PA and vacationing in FL. They enjoyed listening to Classic Rock and riding on his 1959 Panhead Harley Davidson Motorcycle. They were always laughing and having a great time with friends and family.

In 1981 Jamie Lee Burns was born. In 1983 Jillian Marie Burns was born. In 1988 Sean Gregory Burns was born. Gregory worked many years as a truck driver, often taking the kids with him with him on local deliveries. The 80's were spent camping, attending pig roasts hosted by his close friends, yearly vacations at the Tanglewood Resort in Lake Wallenpaupack in the Poconos, PA. The Burns family spent a lot of road trips visiting family from Vermont to Florida as well. As his children grew older they knew they could depend on him, call him anytime at any hour and he would be there.

The new Millenia brought in his grandchildren, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2010, 2017, 2018, which changed his life forever. Grandpa or PopPop was a devout grandfather, who would do anything for each of his grandchildren and taught them all important life skills. The smile that he would bring to their faces anytime he said HELLLLLLLOOOOOOOO could never be replaced. He would sit with them for hours laughing and teasing, they truly brought out the best of him as well. He was very proud of his grandchildren.

He was a caring man who helped out many people throughout his life whether it was a ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or a helping hand. He was a jack of all trades. Under the tough exterior that is "PUNCHY" there was a compassionate and empathetic soul. He shared his love of food by often bringing a neighbor a hot plate during hard times, a bowl of soup if he knew you were ill and a knuckle sandwich if you stood in his way. He never denied a ride or directions of where to go. He loved cooking breakfast on the weekends listening to reggae music on Sundays while making his famous potatoes and onions. He would gladly spend 3 hours making his own spaghetti sauce. Gregory had a undeniable loyalty to his friends, he would stand up to a giant to protect them and Punch out anyone who was up for the challenge. At home the door was always open and a plate was never empty. He will always be remembered as a strong willed man, a straight shooter.

Our world will never be the same. But we will have numerous memories that will keep his spirit alive.

A visitation for Greg will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 6530 West State Rd 84, Davie, FL 33317, followed by a funeral service from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Food and Refreshments will be provided during the service.