Obituary for John Kenneth Burton
In Loving Memory of John Burton
The one and only John K. Burton, age 69, passed away peacefully on February 24th, 2021. John was survived by his beautiful wife Ann and his daughters Julia and Taylor. He loved his girls so fiercely. John was a remarkable man’s-man, coupled with the sensitivity of your best girl friend, always ready to share some laughs, a story, or (of course) some advice. John’s siblings Theresa, Friend, and Catherine say that his special character was evident at a young age, always able to steal the show and make the whole room smile. As a child, John was assigned many nicknames that he carried with him throughout his life, including Geronimo and Hoppy (lovingly called Uncle Hoppy by his nieces and nephews).
John was a man who strived for perfection in everything he did, allowing him to run his tool and dye business with precision and success. John could fix anything- really, anything- better than it was before it was broken. His ability to visualize the physical world in great detail made him a unique creator, with his designs ranging from the “Big Green Monster”, a traveling BBQ/smoker, to a school diorama that was wired with lights, to homemade linens for his girls’ rooms. John was an exceptional orator, inspired by the words of Robert Service and Edgar Allan Poe. He could captivate an audience until the last breath of any short story or poem he so beautifully recited. John’s creativity was boundless, and he always used his brilliant mind to help the ones he loved.
John was a man of conviction, and when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2015, he made the choice to fight no matter what. He carried himself throughout his treatment with humor, valiance, and grace. His wife Ann fought tirelessly for his success, and that gave him many more years than expected with such a disease. John loved all of the good things that life had to offer. He loved hunting and exploring the woods, traveling to Key West and the Amalfi Coast, dancing with his wife, spending time with his kids, fishing, clamming, and rocking on his boat in his beloved Barnegat Bay.
John Burton- a man of so many talents and admirable qualities. A surrogate father to so many. A friend to all he met. A legend. A force of nature. He will be missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service for John will be held at the Valley Memorial Funeral Home in Gillette, NJ on March 2, 2021. The viewing times will be 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A zoom link will be provided for all those who will not be able to make the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of two charities that John loved and contributed to while he was with us.
• ECC Service Auction
o Please address checks to:
ECC Service Auction, ℅ Shrine of St. Joseph
1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980
Please note on the check or envelope, In Loving Memory of John Burton
• Lacey Food Bank
o Please make donations to laceyfoodbank.org/donate
The one and only John K. Burton, age 69, passed away peacefully on February 24th, 2021. John was survived by his beautiful wife Ann and his daughters Julia and Taylor. He loved his girls so fiercely. John was a remarkable man’s-man, coupled with the sensitivity of your best girl friend, always ready to share some laughs, a story, or (of course) some advice. John’s siblings Theresa, Friend, and Catherine say that his special character was evident at a young age, always able to steal the show and make the whole room smile. As a child, John was assigned many nicknames that he carried with him throughout his life, including Geronimo and Hoppy (lovingly called Uncle Hoppy by his nieces and nephews).
John was a man who strived for perfection in everything he did, allowing him to run his tool and dye business with precision and success. John could fix anything- really, anything- better than it was before it was broken. His ability to visualize the physical world in great detail made him a unique creator, with his designs ranging from the “Big Green Monster”, a traveling BBQ/smoker, to a school diorama that was wired with lights, to homemade linens for his girls’ rooms. John was an exceptional orator, inspired by the words of Robert Service and Edgar Allan Poe. He could captivate an audience until the last breath of any short story or poem he so beautifully recited. John’s creativity was boundless, and he always used his brilliant mind to help the ones he loved.
John was a man of conviction, and when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2015, he made the choice to fight no matter what. He carried himself throughout his treatment with humor, valiance, and grace. His wife Ann fought tirelessly for his success, and that gave him many more years than expected with such a disease. John loved all of the good things that life had to offer. He loved hunting and exploring the woods, traveling to Key West and the Amalfi Coast, dancing with his wife, spending time with his kids, fishing, clamming, and rocking on his boat in his beloved Barnegat Bay.
John Burton- a man of so many talents and admirable qualities. A surrogate father to so many. A friend to all he met. A legend. A force of nature. He will be missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service for John will be held at the Valley Memorial Funeral Home in Gillette, NJ on March 2, 2021. The viewing times will be 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A zoom link will be provided for all those who will not be able to make the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of two charities that John loved and contributed to while he was with us.
• ECC Service Auction
o Please address checks to:
ECC Service Auction, ℅ Shrine of St. Joseph
1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980
Please note on the check or envelope, In Loving Memory of John Burton
• Lacey Food Bank
o Please make donations to laceyfoodbank.org/donate