Richard B. Burns, 89, of Sharon, passed away Wednesday morning, December 5, 2018, in his home.

Mr. Burns was born September 22, 1929, in Sharon, a son of Daniel and Ethel (Lotz) Burns. He was a 1949 graduate of Sharon High School. After graduation, Richard began working at the Sharon Steels former Farrell plant until he enlisted in the US Navy. He served during the Korean War from March 20, 1950 to January 12, 1954.

Following his honorable discharge, Richard was employed by the Erie Railroad and later worked for 20 years at the former General Fireproofing Company, Youngstown, OH, retiring March 31, 1983.

Richard was a member of Central Christian Church, Hermitage; and formerly a member of St. Joseph Church, Sharon. He was also a member of the American Legion, Post#299, Sharon; the Hickory VFW, Post#6166, Hermitage; and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter. Richard also volunteered for many years in the medical records department of the former Shenango Valley Osteopathic Hospital, Farrell and the Humane Society of Mercer County. He was the humane society volunteer of the year in 1997.

Richard enjoyed fishing with his brother, watching country and western movies and eating, especially pie. He lived by the motto "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

He is survived by his wife, the former Janet Kilyan, whom he married July 5, 2003; a daughter, Dana Matisi and her husband John, of Hubbard, OH; a step-daughter, Rose Burns and her husband Christopher, of Alabama; two step-sons, George Wansor and his wife Erma, of Las Vegas, NV; and David Wanson, of Iowa; and two grandchildren, Nicholas and Anthony Matisi.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife of 30 years, the former L. Gloria Grande, whom he married in 1955; two sisters, Harriett Morgenstern and Anna Prelee; and a brother, James Burns.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Animal Advocacy of Mercer and Crawford Counties, 321 Jefferson Avenue, Sharon, PA 16146.

Calling hours will be 10 a.m. until the time of the service Friday (12/7/2018) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon .

Funeral service will be at noon Friday, in the funeral home, with Pastor Lew Voisey from Central Christian Church, officiating.

Interment: St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Hermitage.