West Springfield-John Alexander Burns, 92, died Thursday at the Soldier's Home in Holyoke. He was born in West Springfield and lived here all his life. He played on the Navy basketball team while he served during WWII. John joined the Navy on June 6, 1943. Was part of a task force that was sent to Germany as an attachment to General Montgomery's Army. They were poised and ready in Bremen Harbor to take over several German Ships when they were recalled on May 1, 1945, due to the initiation of peace talks. Seaman 1st Class John Burns was discharged on November 30, 1945.

On June 6, 1948 he was appointed to the West Springfield Police Department where he served for seven years before being transferred to the detective bureau. He retired in 1978 after 30 years. He was most proud of two of his accomplishments as a police officer, going back to school to earn his degree in Criminology and the capture of a bank robber. He will be well remembered for his many detail assignments directing traffic at the Big E with a smile and a wave.

John was a member of The West Springfield Elks, the American Legion Post 207 (1946 vice commander) and the Knights of Columbus Council 2212.
At the Soldier's Home John loved Bingo, Karaoke and being the champion WiFi Bowler. He knew everyone's name and greeted every new comer. He enjoyed his round table discussions with his many friends. He had a joke of the day and his Irish tenor voice was still vibrant in his renditions of his favorite songs.

He was predeceased by his wife Pauline (Noret) Burns in 1999. He leaves his beloved brother-in-law and best buddy Bud Sullivan of Agawam, his beloved nieces Gale Sullivan and husband Jerry Ray of Westerly, RI, Linda Silk Muscolo and husband Bill of Chicopee, Karen Pfau and husband Bill of Westfield and Pamela Oakes and husband Michael of West Springfield, many other nieces and nephews and his dear friend Tony King. The family would like to thank the staff at the Soldier's Home for the incredible care and kindness shown to John, especially the staff on 4 West, Kathy, Lynn, Joe and Greg and many others. The care was so amazing and Uncle John was very happy to be "bunking there". Also the family would like to thank Hospice of Holyoke. The funeral Mass will be Wednesday at 10 am in St. Thomas Church, 47 Pine St., W. Springfield followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home will be Tuesday 4-7 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Soldier's Home, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040. For more information please go to curranjones.com.