Joseph John Burns

Joseph John Burns, 79, of Wilkes-Barre, adored husband, father and “Poppy”, was surrounded by his family as he passed into eternal life on September 3, 2021.

Joseph was born in “North End” Wilkes-Barre on Thompson Street to the late Thomas and Dorothy Ann (Dugan) Burns, Joseph attended St. John parochial school and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. As a young man, Joseph had many vocational interests and choices, but nothing captured his attention as much as the love of his life, JoAnn Abend Burns, whom he married and remained a devoted spouse for 57 years.

Joseph proudly served as a Wilkes-Barre City Councilman during the Agnes flood and was especially proud of his work to create and implement innovative housing for Wyoming Valley flood victims. He had an intense pride for and dedication to his home of Wilkes-Barre. He especially treasured spending time with loved ones at the family’s restaurant, Hottle’s Seafood.

Joseph had an unbridled entrepreneurial spirit and was self employed for the majority of his life but what he counted among his greatest achievements were the successes of their children and grandchildren.

Joe was a lover of the spoken and written word, he had the heart of a poet and the intellect of a philosopher. He instilled in his children a love of justice, education and the Catholic faith. Joseph was a patriot and lived by the motto “Faith, Family, Freedom”. To know Joe was to be part of a captive audience, as he loved, in the Irish tradition, to story tell and bend an ear with wit and witticisms. Troubles rolled quickly off his back and laughter easily from his tongue. Joe was a fierce ally to all who called him friend. He was a natural leader who bowed only to God and feared nothing in this life, except his wife.

Joseph was preceded in death by his beloved siblings, Dorothy Burns McLaughlin, Fr. Thomas Burns, SCJ, Neil Burns, John Burns, Joan Ann Burns Calore; and brothers-in-law, Francis Eick, Robert Calore and William McLaughlin.

Surviving are his dearest wife, JoAnn (Abend) Burns; children, JoAnn Burns Platko, Coleen Burns, Sharon Burns Mouallem, Joseph Burns Jr., Renee Burns and Kathleen Burns Szafran; sons-in-law, George Platko and David Mouallem; grandchildren, Michael Burns, Amanda Platko Lavan and spouse Ross Lavan, Alyssa Platko, Christian Szafran, Rachel Platko, Lauren Szafran, Collin Burns, Alec Szafran, Jack Trybulski and Rory Mouallem; Sisters: Carol Ann Burns Eick and Marie Ann Burns Mitchell; sister-in-law, Geraldine Burns; brother-in-law, Kevin Mitchell; and numerous, cherished nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Joseph’s Life begins Tuesday with visitation from 4 to 7 PM at McLaughlin’s, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre and continues there on Wednesday with gathering at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in the Church of Saint Patrick. Interment will be in Saint Mary’s Cemetery.

Joseph’s family extends a special thank you to all the doctors and nurses who assisted in his recent care, especially his son-in-law, Dr. David Mouallem.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 866 Cambria St., Cresson, PA 16630, of which his dear niece, Sister Mary Joseph is local Superior.

Share memories and condolences with Joseph’s family at www.mjmclaughlin.com