Father Thomas J. Burns, M.M.

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Father Thomas J. Burns, M.M., a missioner to Peru for 48 years, died June 18 at Phelps Memorial Hospital in Sleepy Hollow. He was 79.

Father Burns was in Peru, 1996-2019 and 1969-1994, serving in varied roles such as Maryknoll Society's coordinator of justice and peace, parish pastor, coordinator of the Lurin Diocese’s ongoing formation program for the laity, and senior missioner in the Latin America region.

Born in Queens, he entered the Maryknoll Junior Seminary in 1956 and was ordained in 1969.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Maryknoll College, Glen Ellyn, Ill.; and studied for the priesthood at Maryknoll Seminary, Ossining.

His brothers, Robert and Kenneth, and his sister, Cathy Burns Konefal, survive him.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated June 22 in Queen of Apostles Chapel, Ossining. His remains were cremated, and his ashes were placed in the Maryknoll Society Columbarium.

Father Thomas J. Burns, M.M.