John Martin Burns

Jack’s final weeks were spent in his favorite recliner visiting with family and friends and his wife, Barbara, as his doting caregiver.

Jack met his sweetheart, Barbara, 67 years ago in Drexel Hill, PA at the age of 16. He graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School in 1960. Jack worked nine years for the Pennsylvania Railroad and 22 years for U.S. Steel as a locomotive mechanic. He also served in the Army Reserve during the Vietnam era as a tank mechanic and took great pride in his service.

Jack was a Civil War buff who loved crossword puzzles, his daily newspaper, and the annual family beach trips to Ocean City, NJ. He was an avid golfer who was thrilled to shoot a genuine hole-in-one on a par 3. As both a softball and baseball coach, he coached the Levittown American boys baseball team to multiple State Championships. Above all his greatest joy was his family. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, attending countless baseball games and tennis matches.

Jack was a man of great integrity and honesty who loved telling funny stories, speaking the little bit of German he knew, and highlighting the uniqueness of being left-handed. Defined by a deep devotion to family and a zest for life’s simple joys, he touched everyone he met with his warm, gregarious spirit. Though his absence leaves a profound void, his bright light continues to shine through all who loved him.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Burns (née Wells); his four children, John Burns Jr., Robert Burns, Scott Burns, and Patricia Becker (née Burns); as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, Catherine and John, and his sister, Mary.

Visitation will be held at James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Rd, Levittown, PA 19056, on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.

Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Wounded Warrior or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.