Bruce M. Burns

Bruce Michael Burns, 77, lifelong resident of Bergenfield, NJ passed away suddenly but peacefully at home on August 20, 2026, with his beloved wife, Judy Burns, at his side. Born November 30, 1948, in Jersey City, NJ, Bruce grew up in Closter, NJ, the devoted eldest son of Helen and Charles E. Burns, together with his siblings Brian, Bonnie, and Bradley. Loving and devoted husband of Judy Burns (nee Gorney) for 48 years, beloved father of Daniel (Rachel,) David (Jesse) and the late Michael Burns, who tragically predeceased his father in 2024. Loving "Pop Pop" grandfather of Sean, Charlee, Bella, DJ, Keira, and Michael, lovingly referred to as "Lil Mikey" who joined family with three brothers Gabriel, Lorenzo and Cristian. Above all things, together with his lifelong partner Judy, Bruce built a life centered on family, friends, and community. As the patriarch of the Burns family, he was a strong source of strength, guidance, and inspiration to all of his siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues. He always gave his sons unwavering support to whatever paths they chose to pursue and worked tirelessly to provide for his family.

Most importantly, Bruce showed up for Life! Whether at a ball field, swim meet, wrestling match, family celebration, or simply when someone needed him, Dad (and later Pop Pop) was always there. Bruce extended this same level of commitment to his community as a very active Board Member and Coach of the Bergenfield Little League as well as a Board Member of the Bergenfield Swim Club for many years.

Bruce served in the US Navy. He had a brilliant mind and was a gifted electrical engineer employed by Timeplex and Verizon. He had a long, accomplished career in telecommunications during a transformative period in technology, contributing his expertise to the evolving world of data communications and the networks that helped pave the way for today's connected world. He travelled all around the globe through his work and concluded his career as a government consultant, including work supporting the United States Department of Agriculture, before retiring in 2021. Retirement gave Bruce more time to enjoy what mattered most: his wife, his children and grandchildren, traveling, music, and the family and friendships he had spent a lifetime building. Bruce's intelligence and accomplishments were remarkable. But despite his professional accomplishments, he jokingly preferred another title: Aspiring Karaoke Singer and Part-time Engineer. Music was one of his great passions. Bruce had a very charismatic and outgoing personality and was a very talented singer. Give him a microphone and everyone knew they were about to get a performance of one of his favorite songs, delivered with a deep, rich soulful voice filled with heartfelt emotion. Another great passion for Bruce was his love of classic cars. He owned many memorable ones over his lifetime, loved going to car shows, and enjoyed his favorite weekend pastime of jumping into the car with Judy and taking off for “parts unknown.” There was always a new adventure to discover and explore around the next corner or further down the road. This unbridled curiosity and enthusiasm was the way Bruce showed up for life. He showed up for his country, for his family, for his community, for his employers, and for all of the people he knew and loved.

While Bruce's presence, intelligence, charm, humor, guidance, gifts and talents will be deeply missed, the family he built and the lives he touched will carry his legacy forward. He will be forever loved and remembered for all of the love, support, and presence he gave to everyone who knew and loved him and by the countless hearts he touched as the extremely unique and special man he was. Visitation will be held at Riewert's Memorial Home in Bergenfield, NJ on Monday August 24, 2026, 2:00-4:00pm and 7:00–9:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday August 25, 2026 at 11:00am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Bergenfield, NJ followed by private interment at Westwood Cemetery.