Reverend Joseph Harrington Burns, 85, received the call from his Lord and departed this mortal life on August 10, 2016.
He was a priest of the Diocese of Camden for 56 years.
Father was educated at Assumption School and Ansonia High School in Ansonia, St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, St. Michael’s College Colchester, VT, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, PA and Villanova University in Philadelphia, PA.
He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Camden on June 11, 1960.
Upon his ordination, Father Burns served as parochial vicar in a number of parishes in the Diocese of Camden. He was pastor of Our Lady of Victories, Landisville and St. Anthony of Padua, Hammonton.
Father was very involved in education serving on the faculty at Camden Catholic High School and Sacred Heart High School including vice principal at Holy Spirit High School and principal at St. Joseph High School.
In addition to his work in the parishes and schools, Father Burns also served as chaplain of the Atlantic County West Serra Club and Bridgeton Hospital. He retired in 2002.
Fr. Burns was the second son born to Thomas Patrick & Irene Harrington Burns in Derby, CT on August 14, 1930. He was predeceased by his brother Thomas F. Burns (Margaret Clifford).
His surviving siblings are Elizabeth M. Blanchard (John), Richard M. Burns (Dorothy), Peter F. Burns (Patricia) and Irene B. Brown (David).
He leaves twenty beloved nieces, nephews and their progeny for whom he prayed daily.
The family will receive guests at The Church of The Assumption, 61 North Cliff St, Ansonia on Saturday, August 20, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. followed by a memorial mass of Christian Burial.
Interment will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers friends are requested to make a contribution to the Church of The Assumption through the Funeral Director.
The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia, entrusted with arrangements.
