Joseph A Burns

Joseph A Burns, 99, of Mercer, PA died on Sunday October 18, 2020 due to complications after battling with COVID. He was born in Pittsburgh PA on September 20, 1921. He attended Iowa State University where he earned a degree in Ceramic Engineering. He was a World War II veteran and served as a Lieutenant on a minesweeping ship for the US Navy in the South Pacific theater. Before deploying for war, he married his sweetheart, Geraldine Sewell, who remained by his side until her death in 2017. His career varied from engineering to construction. He changed residences over 50 times. He loved playing piano and singing; writing poetry, letters and songs; inventing, and storytelling. Joseph was highly intelligent with an exceptional memory. He was creative, talented, hardworking and generous beyond his means. He could build, invent, and repurpose anything into what he needed. You never knew what might happen next. Common items in his home always included a sledgehammer, a wheelbarrow, a piano, an American flag and paint. Joseph is survived by one daughter, Mary Holmes (Peter) of Sherwood, OR; four sons, Joseph A. (Natalie), Michael S. (Pamela) of Mercer, PA; Daniel O. (Deborah) of Greencastle, PA and Robert S. (Dorothy) of New Wilmington, PA. Nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren survive. There will be no public funeral. Condolences may be expressed at https://www.gatheringus.com/memorial/joseph-a-burns/5472 In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, an outreach that sponsors Honor Flights for veterans and supports men and women who sacrifice to defend our country. https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/ In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, an outreach that sponsors Honor Flights for veterans and supports men and women who sacrifice to defend our country. https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/