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Thomas Burns Obituary
March 3, 1973 - July 15, 2020
Thomas J. Burns, 47, of San Francisco died peacefully in his home on July 15, 2020.
Born on the rainy Saturday afternoon of March 3, 1973 in San Francisco, raised in Pacifica, Ca. Tom leaves behind his parents Patricia and Robert Burns of Pacifica, Ca., his loving kid sister Nancy Kelly (Burns) his brother-in-law Jacob Kelly, his nephews James and Justin Kelly,his niece, Jenna Kelly of South San Francisco, and his aunt Leslie Sheppard of San Francisco, who was so helpful to him in his time of need.
Tom attended Ortega school in Pacifica, graduated Magna Cum Laude from McAteer School of the Arts in 1991, was a life member of the California Scholarship Federation and was in Who's who Among American High School Students, 1989-1991 edition.
After High School Tom attended San Jose State for a year, and then transferred to San Francisco State University, where he majored in business administration (Marketing). Tom graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, Magna Cum Laude and the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society in 1999.
Tom got his dream job at a record company in 1998 and left in 2000, for bigger and better things. He was unable to work after 2005.
Tom adopted his beloved mini-pin "BART" in 2005, who he devoted his love and time until BART passed in 2016. He even got a tattoo "BART" on his arm.
There is an old cliche' that says when one dies they are in a better place. Tom is truly in a better place after 15 years of pain.
Although he never had Covid 19, it was a definite cause of his death.
You may make an In Memoriam donation in memory of Tom at
http://www.sfsuicide.org/donations-events/donate/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Burns
Tony
August 30, 2020
Tom was a super sweet guy. Even though we never met in person, we chatted online for years. Going back to at least early 2011. Always funny, Tom had no problem putting a smile on my face with his quick wit. I will miss him greatly and do know that he is a better place. To his friends and family, I send my sincere condolences.
Pat Burns
August 18, 2020
my dear tommy...i miss our 11 oclock calls and i enjoy remembering the fun times in our lives....love you very much and see you soon...Mom
Dani Chandler
August 16, 2020
So many memories from childhood- Tom was a part of my “San Francisco” family. I will never forget his infectious laugh and the time we all spent together. Rest easy old friend. Praying you are at peace now.
Shane
August 13, 2020
Tom was a wonderful caring friend that meant a great deal to myself and my family. I miss his advise and words of encouragement. I miss texting about our day and complaining about people. I'm so very sad he is gone but I will always remember his kindness, sharp sense of humor and infectious laugh.
Nancy Kelly
August 13, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Looking at old pictures and rembering hard makes faded memories bold again. I love my big brother.
Tara Growney
August 12, 2020
Dearest Tommy. From the time I stepped foot in the Burns household you made me feel loved and welcomed. You took Nanc and I out to eat, you shared your music with us, and you shared your wit with us, and you teased me like an older sibling would. You were larger than life Tommy. I'm so sorry for the pain that you suffered with. I'm sorry that the world will never hear your wonderful laugh again, or your back of the valley drawl. Rest peacefully my friend.
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