Stephen E. Burns – Champion, Pa. formerly of Donora and Monessen

Stephen E. Burns, 80, of Champion, Pa., formerly of Donora and Monessen, died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. He was the son of Robert C. and Teresa Helzlsouer Burns and was born in Pittsburgh on Nov. 8, 1940. Steve attended Pittsburgh and Monessen schools, Oceanside-Carlsbad College in California and California University of Pennsylvania (California State Teacher’s College), graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and the University of Pittsburgh for his Master’s in Education. He also completed the Infantry Officer Candidate course at Fort Benning, Ga. Steve taught social studies in the Pittsburgh Public Schools for 30 years. He was in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard for 15 years, retiring with the rank of captain. He served as company commander and received the prestigious Retention and Recruiting Award of Excellence. He also taught procedural infantry classes at Fort Benning, Ga. Steve owned and operated Stephen Industries construction. Steve loved all sports, both watching and participating, playing both high school and college football. He was a devoted Pitt fan and season pass holder for 50 years and was a member of the Golden Panthers. He was an avid golfer, belonged to several golf leagues and was proud of his hole-in-one at Cedarbrook Golf Course. Steve’s main passion was skiing and racing. He was a ski instructor at Seven Springs for 50 years and was commonly known as “Turns Burns.” He was certified with the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). For many years, Steve was a familiar face at Seven Springs, coordinating the Adult Premier Ski Program. He was an active member of Mon Valley Ski Club, having held many offices, including president and racing chairman. He skied throughout the west, including a Canadian helicopter trip. Over the years, he has taught hundreds of people, including friends and family. His goal was to make his entire family learn to ski. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Theresa Olexa. Steve will be sadly missed by his loving wife and soulmate of 50 years, Janice (Kelly) Burns. Survivors include his brothers, Robert “Bobby” Burns and wife Kathy of Cazenovia, N.Y., and Edward “Eddie” Burns and wife Ginny of Monessen; Tom and Maggie Kelly, brother and sister-in-law of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; Robert Kelly, brother-in-law of Upper St. Clair, Pa.; nieces and nephews, Raymond Olexa, wife Nicole and children Grace and Rae of Steamboat Springs, Colo., Rosemary Vatakis and children Alexa, Dana and Jackson of Monessen, Nick Vatakis of Monessen; Jimmy Burns of Monessen, Jennifer (Burns) Mauro, husband Tony and children Anthony and Angelo of Monessen; Jill (Burns) Allen, husband Michael and children Rachel and Hannah of California; Jacqueline Mascotti and children Martina, Mary and Jenevra of California; Steven Burns, wife Lisa and children Kaitlyn and Michael of California; Amy (Kelly) Golden, husband Paul and children Michael, Luke and Jack of Riverside, Conn.; Thomas Kelly “T.K.,” wife Cynthia and children Millie, Brooke and Tommy of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; Christian Kelly of Pittsburgh; and Mariah Kelly of Pittsburgh. Steve will always be remembered for his huge personality, sense of humor and passion for John Wayne movies. He was so appreciative of the special friends and relatives who were there for him. A special thank you to all the wonderful people of Via-Quest in the Somerset office for all the caring kindness and love. Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, at RHOME FUNERAL HOME, 1209 Grand Blvd., Monessen. A service will be held at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, with the Rev. Robert Hanna officiating. Burial will follow at Monongahela Cemetery. The family is requesting visitors to wear face masks and practice social distancing.