With full hearts and deep sadness, we announce the passing of Michael James Burns, age 78—a devoted husband, loving father, proud “Pop Pop,” and loyal friend. Michael passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by the family he so deeply cherished.
The eldest of nine children born to Joan P. and James D. Burns, Michael was born on February 19th, 1947, in Bronx, NY. He was raised on Staten Island, NY, and there he met his lifelong love, Marianne (née Murray). After graduating from New Dorp High School in 1965, Michael entered Officer Candidate School (OCS) for the U.S. Army. After graduating OCS, Michael and Marianne were married, and were stationed in Butzbach, Germany where they welcomed their first child, Heather. Upon their return to the US, they resided on Staten Island, NY and Jackson, NJ, and soon welcomed Irish twin sons, Danny and Christian. Michael continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserves while stationed as the commanding officer at Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook, NJ and there began a lifelong connection to “The Hook.” A new job led Michael and Marianne to Crystal Lake, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, where they welcomed their third son Colin. Michael and Marianne spent a decade in Crystal Lake and made countless friends, notably, his long-time best friend, Jim Ritterbusch. In 1983, Michael’s job brought the family back to the east coast, and settled in Fair Haven, NJ for the remainder of his days.