Thomas R. Burns, 88, of Allentown, died Nov. 27, 2022. He was the husband of the late Mary Ann (Polaha) Burns for 54 years.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Thomas J. and Edith (Washburn) Burns.

He was a 1952 Allentown High School graduate where he was a member of the football and track teams. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Lehigh University in 1956.

He worked in the electrical department at Bethlehem Steel for 40 years. He became general foreman of the power group in 1978.

He was a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Allentown, for 64 years. He joined Notre Dame parish in 2021.

He coached CYO girls basketball for 21 years at Our Lady Help of Christians and for the East Side Rams during the summer. He received the 1981 Brey Brennan Award for 34 years of support of the Allentown recreation programs as a coach and player. In 1952, he earned the Percy Ruhe Award as a champion playground athlete.

He volunteered for several organizations after retirement.

He is survived by two daughters, Sandy Schapitl and Kathy Corpora and husband Jim of Whitehall; three granddaughters, Ashley Schapitl and partner Don Sisson, Kelsey Rose and husband Dan and Lexie Schapitl; a brother-in-law, Frank Polaha and wife Sharon; four nieces; great-nieces; and great-nephews.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Jackie Sigethy and Beverly Glaser.

Contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 924 N. Front St., Allentown, 18108, or to Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church, 1861 Catasauqua Road, Bethlehem, 18016.

Arrangements were made by Gilbert Funeral Home Inc., Whitehall.