Gerard Francis "Gerry" Burns

Gerry passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024, after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s. He was preceded in death by his parents Francis Vincent and Eleanor Sweeney Burns as well as his In-Laws, William Francis and Lucy Liberatore Burke. He is survived by his wife Kathleen (nee Burke). His daughter Bridget (Kenneth) Walsh, son Brendan and grandsons Shane Francis and Finnegan Regis. As well his four siblings Joseph, Patricia (Ed), Robert (Gerri) & Eileen, Sister in Laws Barbara (Roy) Savidge, Marie (Stan) Markuszka and many nieces and nephews.

Gerry was born in Philadelphia; He was the fourth of five children growing up at Second and Master as a member of St. Michael’s Parish and a graduate of Roman Catholic High School, Class of 1956 where he was a runner on the Cross Country Team. He was married to Kathleen, his greatest love for fifty-seven years. Gerry beamed with immeasurable pride for his Children, Son in Law and Grandsons.

As a young child Gerry was very sick but was blessed with wonderful parents, especially his mom who did her very best to care for him and “gave him the gift of his eyesight”. Gerry was a parishioner of St. Michael’s Parish until he married Kathleen Burke. After his retirement from the Post Office, he went back to Saint Michael’s embracing the community and volunteering his time as a Genealogist helping St. Michael’s alumni to research their Ancestry as well as supporting the establishment of the LaSalle Academy School and many other projects alongside his dear friend Father Herb Sperger. 

Gerry was an avid reader, lover of music, history and an encyclopedia of Philadelphia sports knowledge that left even the best of them challenged! He loved a good beer, The Phillies, Philly Big Five Basketball and his Notre Dame Fightin’ Irish! Gerry was Full of Stories!!! From St Mike's to the United States Post Office where he worked for 34 years starting as a mail carrier retiring as a Finance Manager for the Philadelphia Region. He would say “I have no regrets I lived a GREAT LIFE” as he would fill our memories with stories of the Shamrock & his Wildwood Days with his St. Mike’s Crew to his “wonderful childhood”. He often spoke from the heart when mentioning his lifelong friends & their families as well as his treasured Burns Cousins and their childhood adventures. Always making time for the cousins over the years for special lunches to keep the Burns Family Legacy thriving in honor of the Five Burns Brothers that started it all!

After retirement Gerry enjoyed continuing to foster his love of New York City and theatre with his Son, Brendan, who he also encouraged to chase his own theatrical talents. GrandDad would spend days at a time with his daughter, Son in Law and Grandsons, creating memories while taking long walks, reading books, building forts, running the bases or just embracing his grandsons in their sports and musical adventures. He fostered both his grandsons passion for running and was over the moon as he watched their spikes conquer the same courses at the Penn Relays and Belmont Plateau as he once did. He always enjoyed time with his little sister, Eileen, as they discussed their childhood and enjoyed their sports banter. His love of the Jersey Shore and memories continued as the family vacationed at his beloved brother and friend Joe’s home in North Cape May, New Jersey each Summer. Holiday weekends were filled with long walks, backyard parades and sing-a-longs with General Joe in his uniform.

The impact of Gerry’s loving & giving heart left lasting impressions. His laughter, dancing blue eyes, amazing smile and huge hugs will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Saint Robert Bellarmine Church, 856 Euclid Avenue, Warrington, PA. A Mass will begin at 11 a.m. The family will greet guests from 10 a.m., prior to mass. Inurnment will follow mass at St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont, PA.

Donations in his name may be made to the Neshaminy Manor Nursing Home, 1660 Easton Road Warrington, PA 18976.