Joseph Thomas Burns, born January 6, 1925 to Margaret and Bernard Burns passed away Sunday, March 23,2014, at 89 years of age. Joseph graduated from St. Mary's HS, Rutherford, NJ. Joseph enlisted in the USMC at age18 and served March 1943 - Nov. 1945 attaining the rank of T/Sgt. in the Pacific Theater. Once out of the service he attended Villanova Univ. (BS) and Rutgers University (MBA). On June 16, 1951 he married, Mary Elizabeth Gaughran, and together they were blessed with 62 years of marriage before her passing April 21, 2013. Joseph was employed at Cities Service Co in NYC and Tulsa transferring to OK in 1973. Upon retirement Joseph worked as Financial Administrator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa. A devout Catholic, he was a long time parishioner of the Church of Saint Mary and active in the Parish for many years. Joseph enjoyed traveling with Mary whether to the Jersey Shore in the early years or overseas in their retirement. Joseph was predeceased by his brother Bernard. Joseph is survived by: sons, Patrick (Joan), Michael (Rita), Jeff, David (Christine), Plano,TX, Larry (Linda), Houston, TX, Daniel (Anne Marie); and daughter, Alyssa Burns as well as 15 Grand and 2 Great Grandchildren; sisters, Lucille Redeker (PA) and Mary Jeanne Burns (Tulsa). Rosary Thursday April 3 at 7 pm, and Memorial Mass on Friday April 4 at 11 am both at the Church of Saint Mary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clarehouse, 7617 S. Mingo Rd., Tulsa, OK. 74133. Special thanks to Kelley Edwards, RN, of RoseRock Hospice and the entire staff at both the Clarehouse and Franciscan Villa.

Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.