Darrell Burns Obituary

Br. Darrell J. Burns, SJ, of Maryland, formally of Muse, died peacefully Friday, May 3, 2024, at the age of 79. He was born September 5, 1944, in Canonsburg, to William F. Burns and Veronica McCarthy Burns, and entered the Society of Jesus at the Novitiate of St. Isaac Jogues in Wernersville February 1, 1964. He received a B.S. in Communication Arts from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he later went on to receive an M.A. in Theology. He also received an M.A. in Theatre from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Most of Br. Burns' Jesuit life was spent in service at Loyola Blakefield High School in Baltimore and Xavier University in Cincinnati. After three years teaching and directing the Blakefield Players at Loyola from 1970 to 1973, he spent a year at Xavier High School in Cincinnati teaching English and Drama and founding the theater program there. He then returned to Loyola Blakefield for seven years as a teacher, director of the Blakefield Players, and director of admissions. In 1982, he served for two years at Xavier University as an assistant professor of theater arts and then for five years at the university's Edgecliff campus as coordinator of student services and campus ministry. It was then back to Loyola Blakefield, where he stayed for 11 years, serving as chaplain. Following a brief sabbatical in 2000 at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley, Calif., Br. Burns became school chaplain at Scranton Prep for four years. He then returned to Xavier University for 14 years, serving as campus minister and ROTC chaplain, as well as working in the university's Mission and Identity office. In 2019, Br. Burns moved to the Colombire Jesuit Community in Baltimore to serve in pastoral ministry and to pray for the Church and the Society of Jesus. Br. Burns is survived by his sister, Donna K. Burns of Muse; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, William P. Burns and Donald K. Burns. A Funeral Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Friday, May 10, in St. Joseph Parish, 101 Church Lane, Cockeysville, MD 21030. Interment in Jesuit Cemetery of St. Isaac Jogues, 501 N. Church Road, Wernersville, PA 19565. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date in Holy Rosary Church, Muse, St. Oscar Romero Parish. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.sollon.com