Joseph Burns

On Thanksgiving morning, November 25, 2021, Joseph John Burns’ long battle with throat cancer ended as God summoned him to an eternity in heaven.

Joseph “Joe,” a Denver native, was born February 1, 1964, the youngest of ten children. Joe attended St. James Catholic School. He was a 1982 graduate of Bishop Machebeuf High School and later graduated from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas with a Sociology degree.

Amongst the first to greet him in heaven were his two sisters, Patty and Ellen, who both passed away June of this year.

Joe was a faithful Catholic. He always knew his salvation was through God and found comfort in the Catholic traditions in which he was raised. When passing by a Catholic church, he would proudly honor the old traditions, by making the sign of the cross.

Joe is also remembered for his athletic successes. He was a gifted boxer who rose up the cruiserweight ranks in the Midwestern regions of the Golden Gloves. He also competed in the Colorado High School State track and field state meet in the 100 meter and the relay races.

His first love was football. He received all-state mention at Machebeuf and attended Benedictine on a football scholarship, where he was a valuable contributor as a running back on some of the school’s more successful teams.

Joe’s love for football was more about the special bonds with his teammate than the sport itself. His purpose in sports as well as life was to be a part of something bigger than himself. This was later played out as a soldier in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Ord, California where Joe defended our country in military conflicts. His five years of service also allowed him the opportunity to see the world.

Following an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Joe made Denver his permanent residence. Back home, he could be closer to his family and friends, and follow his beloved Denver Broncos. He began his career in medical billing. His favorite years were spent at Encompass, where Joe forged a special camaraderie with his colleagues. At his job or away, Joe seemed to brighten every room he walked into with his quick wit, charisma, and his signature dry humor. Ever loyal to family and friends, he will be missed.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Mary Patricia and Robert Thomas, sisters Brigid Burns, Patty Robinson and Ellen DiUbaldo and by his second wife, Mary Kay.

He is survived by his sisters Katie (Kevin) Reily, Peggy (Tom) Mathews, Ann (John) Archbold, and Kelly (Bob) McCurdy. His brothers, Bill and Dan (Mya) Burns. Brothers-in-law, Gordon Robinson and Mike DiUbaldo.

Joe is also mourned by his son Robert Thomas Burns (Bobby), for whom Joe is most proud of above all.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: VFW National Home for Children, 3573 S Waverly Rd, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827

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