Tom Burns
March 29, 1947 ~ July 16, 2026
Born in:
Joliet, IL
Resided in:
Perry, OH
Tom Burns, long time youth soccer coach and local YMCA Board Member, died on July 16. Tom was 79 years old, and originated in Joliet, IL. He graduated from St. Louis University with a BA in history, and earned a JD from Loyola University, passing his bar exam on his first try. Despite his educational achievements, Tom chose to be a stay at home dad to his two sons, which enabled his wife to have a meaningful career.
In 1995 the family moved from Palatine Illinois to Perry Ohio. There, along with his volunteer work with the Y, Tom coached Science Olympiad teams at the local Perry Schools, and led a team that monitored the water quality of the Grand River.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Agnes Burns, and various Vidmar / Burns relatives. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Frances; his sons, Peter (Jessica) and Trevor; his grandsons Myles, Hunter, & Ethan; and brothers John (Melinda), Dan (Phyllis), Joe (Diane), and Martin (Mimi).
Donations can be made to the Lake County Outdoor YMCA.
A Celebration of life will take place at the Outdoor Y Lodge on River Road in Perry from 2 to 4 pm on Sunday July 26. Remarks and shared memories will take place at 3 pm.
Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com
Services
Celebration of Life: Sunday, July 26, 2026 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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Always a thoughtful person .Enjoyed his company in are youth. Condolences to the brothers and his family.
Like I’m sure many others did, I met Tom on the soccer fields at the OFC about 20 years ago. Many fond memories of coaching against Tom as my kids grew up on those fields. I also spent many years working on the OFC board with. He was dedicated to the Y’s mission and supported the programs along with the kids on his teams. I can’t begin to count the number of lives he touched and impacted. I will always remember that voice coaching the kids from the side lines, and all the discussions through the years. Tom will be missed. My deepest condolences to Mary Frances and the rest of the family.