John M. Burns, Sr.

NORTH GREENBUSH- John M. Burns, Sr., 85, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025 at the Van Rensselaer Manor.

Born and educated in Troy he was the son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Ryan) Burns.

Mr. Burns was a US Army Veteran. He retired as Chief of Police for the East Greenbush Police Department. He was a former Troy Police officer and Rensselaer County Sheriff. Mr. Burns was a former officer of the Troy PBA and a member of the Fraternal Order of the Chief of Police.

He is survived by his children Colleen Burns, John (Deb) Burns, Jr., Erin (Michaelle) Burns, Patricia (Kirk) Burns-Zelenke and Daniel Burns; his step-children Sean (the late Barbara) Kirker and Eileen Kirker; his brother Joseph Burns; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Eileen Ryan Kirker Burns, his sister Ellen Burns Lyman and his step-son Christopher (Janice) Kirker.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with John’s family Monday, April 21, 2025 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 391 Delaware Ave. Albany. His funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately following at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial contributions to Van Rensselaer Manor, 85 Bloomingrove Dr., B-1 Unit, Activities Fund on Behalf of John Burns, Troy, NY 12180.