John Burns Jr.

john burns

April 22, 1958 ~ January 14, 2025

Born in: Redwood City, California
Resided in: New Haven, Connecticut

John Burns Jr. passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025 at the age of 66. Beloved brother of Kathy Burns and Liza Powell.

John graduated from Scotch Plains Fanwood High School with the class of 1976 in New Jersey and attended Ithaca College. A longtime resident of New Haven, Connecticut, he was known for his passion for rock music and fast cars.

He found strength, courage, and wisdom in a 12 step program that he remained active in for over 40 years. Friends called him the lifeguard, referring to his youth on the Jersey shore. Within the rooms he was known as John B.  His life, his stories and his knowledge of the 12 step principles were an inspiration to countless others. He’ll be remembered by those who knew him well as a cool dude, a good friend, and a perpetual troublemaker.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday January 23, 2025 at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. Friends may visit with John’s family from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NAMI at https://www.nami.org/get-involved/donate-to-nami/ .  To send his family a condolence, see obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.

 

Services

Visitation: January 23, 2025 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518

203-288-0800

Celebration of Life: January 23, 2025 2:00 pm

Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518

203-288-0800

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. John was an inspiration and touched many lives as he trudged the Road of Happy Destiny. I am grateful to have had the privilege of knowing him.

    • Your phone call and all that you told me was so heartwarming to me, and it came at a time that I needed it most. Thanks Mark

    • Wow, I remembered how much John loved his mini bike, but I’d forgotten all about the firehouse. Thanks for the reminder Dave.

  2. John B was always a bright light in jr high and high school who exuded that California ray of sunshine. I am so sad to hear of his passing.
    Fellow “76”classmate of SPFHS . You will be remembered❤️

  3. Liza,
    Losing a sibling is never easy, but please know you have a best friend in me who will always be there for you…

  4. John was a great guy and liked by many in school. As a freind of Bill W and fan of the 12 steps, his examples of a good life will be missed. Rest in peace and we celebrate you life.


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