John L Burnham

John L. Burnham – a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all,   of Torrington, CT, passed away Jan. 16 at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. He was 70 years old.  

Born Dec. 20, 1951 in Hartford, CT, son of the late Joan (Turner) and Laurence Burnham, John is survived by the love of his life and wife of more than 40 years, Yvonne (Brousseau) Burnham of Torrington; son Johnny Burnham and his wife Stephanie of Bristol; grandchildren Kayla, Brady and Olive; sister Bernice Dixon and her husband Michael of Colchester, and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his daughter, Jessica Scarfo, and sisters Jo-Ann “Joline” Burnham and Barbara Thode. 

“Johnny B” as he was best known by friends, graduated from Lewis S. Mills High School in 1969 before beginning a long career as a carpenter, working for O&G Industries for three decades. He later graduated from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting and spent time as the radio broadcaster for the Torrington Twisters. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, UCONN Huskies, and split his allegiance between the New York Giants and New England Patriots. But above all, he was his family’s No. 1 fan, coaching many of their youth sports teams, always cheering them on, picking them up or making them laugh. 

He could find a way to fix anything and was a constant jokester. Although the joke often straddled the line of inappropriate, he would go to any length to make sure the delivery was just right. He had an uncanny ability to brighten your day like only he could. The light to his basement bar was always on, his tap of homebrew never dry and his ears, eyes and heart always open to the long list of those he held close. Whether out on the golf course, at the ballpark, tavern, on the job or at home, he was full of surprises and a unique soul that positively impacted the lives of so many. 

The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, Jan. 27 from 5-7pm at Phalen Funeral Home in Torrington. Masks will be required. Online memorials can be made at www.phalenfuneral.com. 

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