John “Jack” Burns of Clarks Summit, died Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at home surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lois Reed Burns. Born in 1930 to Dr. Hugh R. Burns and Sara Schmucker Burns in Scranton, he graduated from the first four-year graduating class of Scranton Preparatory School in 1948. In 1953, Jack graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He served as a pilot in the United States Air Force for four years in the European theater. An accomplished professional engineer and entrepreneur, he started his civilian career as an electrical engineer with PPL. He founded the architectural and engineering firm, Burns and Kearns in 1959, and earned his MBA from the University of Scranton in 1963. Jack served as a principal and director as the firm grew and evolved as Burns Kearns & Lowe, Burns & Lowe and Burns Associates through the next 30 years. He also developed and led separate specialty engineering firms including Midlantic Design P.C., until his retirement in 1997. Jack’s sense of service to community lasted a lifetime. He served as a director and as campaign chairman of the United Way of Lackawanna County for several years in the 1970s, as well as on many civic boards, including the YMCA, Catholic Social Services and as president of a regional chapter of the National Society of Professional Engineers from 1992-1993. Jack was a dedicated ESL teacher for SCOLA, where he was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2001 for his service in helping immigrant families adjust to life and language in the United States. He was a faithful member of Our Lady of Snows Parish for more than 60 years and renowned lector of the 7 a.m. Mass. A 50-year member of the Country Club of Scranton, Jack served on the Board of Directors for nine years and was instrumental in many course and facility upgrades as a director and member. He was a competitive and accomplished golfer and followed in his father’s footsteps as a three-time Club Champion, winning in 1968, 1970 and 1976, and later added the Men’s Senior Club Championship to his accomplishments. In retirement, Jack discovered a love of duplicate bridge which he generously shared through teaching. He attained the prestigious rank of Ruby Master. As an ACBL-certified bridge director, he and Lois traveled throughout Europe and South America as tournament directors on cruise ships. They also managed and operated the NEPA Duplicate Bridge Club in the Scranton region for more than a decade. An ardent lifelong fan of Army West Point Athletics, Jack was not only a dedicated Black Knight football fan, but a follower of all sports played by the cadets. He enjoyed cheering on his teams at West Point throughout the years, and traveled extensively to watch games and matches. Go Army! Jack is also survived by his four children, Mary Alice Burns (John Schmidt), Hugh (Nadia), Tim (Judy) and Cathy O’Rourke (Tim). He has 12 grandchildren, Melissa Heath, Emily Burns, Sarah Clarke, Kathleen Burns, Sean Burns, Meghan Burns, Colleen Starke, Joseph O’Rourke, Daniel O’Rourke, Katie Burns, Peter Burns and Samantha Burns; and two great-grandchildren, Remy Ann Starke and Aiden Clarke. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lt. Hugh R. Burns Jr. Due to COVID-19 virus restrictions, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Jack’s name to Special Olympics of Collier County, Fla. (P.O. Box 2646, Bonita Springs, FL 34133); or St. Joseph’s Center at 2010 Adams Ave. Scranton, PA 18509.

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