John "Johnny" Anthony Burns

John “Johnny” Anthony Burns of Canton, Ohio, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away suddenly on March 21, 2025 at the age of 53. John was born November 1, 1971 to Phil and Jeannie Burns of Lorain, Ohio.

He was a proud veteran who served in Desert Storm, embodying the values of honor and duty that defined him. After his service, John married the love of his life, Lisa Fay (Light) Burns on November 7, 1992 in Chesterfield, VA. Their 33 years of marriage was filled with love, laughter, and an unbreakable bond that inspired everyone around them.

Johnny was a devoted father to Sarah and Jason, always there to lend an ear or offer guidance. He instilled values of kindness, resilience, and hard work in his children, ensuring they knew the importance of love, family, and service.

As a grandfather, Johnny cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, Roman and Ruby, sharing stories, wisdom, and warm hugs that will be remembered forever. His presence brought joy and comfort, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.

He was a faithful man of Jesus, finding strength and purpose in his beliefs. Johnny had a deep love and respect for the sisters at the Sancta Clara Monastery, where he spent many years building lifelong friendships. His kindness, generosity, volunteerism, and unwavering spirit touched so many lives, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

Johnny “Riff-Raff” was known for his love of motorcycles and the open road. He found freedom and camaraderie among fellow riders, and his presence in the Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association Chapter 12-3 of Kent, Ohio. The CVMA profoundly enriched his life and the lives of those he met. His dedication to helping veterans and their families was a testament to his character while building lifelong friendships with his brothers and sisters in arms.

Johnny is survived by his loving wife, Lisa; his children, Sarah Catherine (Curtis) Moyer (Canton, OH) and Jason Andrew Burns (Chesterfield, VA); Grandchildren, Roman Alexander Burns and Ruby Claire Burns; Father, Phil (Shelia) Burns (Vermillion, OH); Brothers, Andrew Burns (Middletown, OH) and Chris Burns (Vermillion, OH); Sister, Magan (Vivian) McGee (Canton, OH); several nieces and nephews; Aunt, Dawn Costello (Lorain, OH) and special friends, Troy (Laurie) Manley, Mark Sullivan, Scott Welling, Patrick Walker, Dawn Brown, Sister-Mother Gertrude, Sister Mary Agnes, and Debbie Saunders.

A memorial service will be held on April 25, 2025, at 10:00 am at Trinity Baptist Church in North Canton, OH. Following the service, a graveside service with military honors will take place at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, OH promptly at 1:15pm, where we will honor his service and dedication to his Country.

After the graveside service, friends and family are invited to join us for a celebration of Johnny’s life at the American Legion Post 496 in Kent, Ohio. This gathering will provide an opportunity to share memories, stories, and laughter, reflecting the bright spirit Johnny brought into our lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Ohio or the Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association (CVMA OH 12-3).