John J. Burns, Jr.

John J. Burns Jr., 70, of East Syracuse passed away peacefully on September 16, 2023, surrounded by loved ones after battling cancer. 

He was born August 23, 1953 to John (Sr.) and Anna Marie Burns. John Jr. graduated from North Syracuse High School and followed in his father’s footsteps, serving 32 dutiful years with the Syracuse Police Department where he received numerous Bureau and departmental commendations. He contributed to a family legacy of service to the department along with his father, uncles, and cousins, totaling over 230 years combined. Upon retiring in 2005 at the rank of Detective Sergeant, John launched a second career as a full time hockey dad. 

Above all, John loved spending time with and supporting his family. From ice rinks to lacrosse fields, marching bands to chalk art, there was no greater joy than watching his children with tremendous pride. 

Predeceased by his father John Burns Sr; he is survived by his mother, Anna Marie; loving wife of 29 years, Christie Casciano Burns; five children, Stephanie (Matthew) MacDerment, Sarah (Jeff) Fairbrother, John “Jake” (Shauna) Burns, Joseph (Elizabeth LaComb) Burns, Sophia Burns; Grandchildren, Kenadie, Miller, Daiya, Emery, Ethan, Juli, and Elyza; siblings, Kathleen Holm, Debbie (Paul) Linnertz, Karen (Lee) Knapp, Dan (Betsy) Burns, Margaret (Vincenzo) Fusco, Eileen (Robert) Irwin, and many nieces and nephews. 

Per John’s request, services will be private. The family would like to give special thanks to the gracious and patient care John received from Hospice of Central New York.

Leave condolences for the family on the Tribute Wall 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John J. Burns, Jr., please visit our floral store.