Stephen Patrick Burns

Stephen Patrick Burns, 45, passed away peacefully at Chandler Regional Medical Center ICU Unit, Chandler, Arizona, Monday, December 27, 2021 with his mom and best friend, Matt West, alongside him. Stephen was born on October 26, 1976 to Terrence and Margaret (Harbit) Burns in Joliet, Illinois. The youngest of three sons, Stephen grew up in New Lenox, Il. He graduated from Lincoln-Way Community High School (1995), going on the Northern Illinois University for his Bachelor Degree (1999), and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from University of Phoenix (2003). He participated in sports in grade school and high school – baseball, soccer, basketball and football. Stephen was an avid Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Chicago Bulls fan as was his father, uncles and grandfather. One step into his home and you knew he was from Illinois with the flags, pictures and other belongings he had in his house. He lived in Arizona for 21 years but still called his home - Illinois.
Stephen was preceded in death by his father, Terrence Burns Sr., and his maternal grandparents, Benjamin and Ruth (Haug) Harbit, his paternal grandparents Edmond and Rita (O’Neill) Burns, God parents Major E.B.R. Burns and Barbara (Burns) Bertino, and Uncle Jerome Burns, Uncle Robert Burns, Aunt Mary (Burns) Olson and Uncle Robert Olson, Uncle Irv Hahn and Cousin Robert Hahn.
Stephen is survived by his mother Margaret (Harbit) Burns, and his two brothers and their wives: Terrence Jr and Julisa (Hernandez) Burns, David and Emily (Barkoozis) Burns, and by his 3 nephews and 2 nieces: Oscar, Evan, Taylor, Ella, and Jack. Also surviving relatives are Uncle Charles and Aunt Rose (Harbit) Gilbert, Uncle Kenneth and Aunt Lolly (Gonzales) Harbit, Uncle John and Aunt Mary (O’Connor) Burns, Uncle James Bertino, Aunt Rita (Burns) Hahn, Uncle Thomas and Aunt Susan (Burns) Slingsby, Uncle William and Aunt Linda (Colman) Burns and numerous cousins. Stephen was also a special uncle to Matt’s children - Gracie, Cole and Quinn West of Gilbert, AZ.
Stephen was employed by the Lennar Mortgage as a jumbo loan underwriter.
As per Stephen’s request, cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date in Phoenix, AZ. Visitation will be held Friday, January 28, 2022 at Kurtz Memoria Chapel, New Lenox. IL from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Everyone will meet at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, New Lenox, IL on Saturday January 29, 2022 for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m.
Stephen’s family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses on the 3rd floor ICU unit at Chandler Regional Medical Center for their kindness and care toward us and Stephen while Stephen was in their care.
In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be sent to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, in Gracie West’s name. Send to Angelman Syndrome Foundation – 3015 E. New York Street, Suite A2 #285, Aurora, IL. 60504. Stephen would appreciate your support of Gracie as Stephen was active in supporting the West family and the Angelman Syndrome Foundation.