John G. Burr, III
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John's obituary
John G. Burr, III (1944 – 2025)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved John G. Burr, who peacefully departed this life on April 3, 2025 at the age of 80.
Born on April 21, 1944 in South Bend, Indiana, John was a devoted husband to Sharon Burr, a loving father to John Burr IV and Jessie Burr Hockett, and a cherished Grandfather to John Burr V, Ava, and Ryan Hockett.
John was known for his kind heart, generosity, intellectual nature, and passion for his Catholic faith. He obtained his Ph.D at UC Berkeley, and post-doc at Harvard and MIT. He met his wife of 51 years, Sharon, in Berkeley; they married and lived in Boston before moving to Texas. Taking sabbatical in Turin, Italy during his early teaching years provided wonderful memories for the family.
A research scientist admired by his students, he was recognized with the Dean’s Teaching Award as a tenured molecular cell biology professor at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). His research, teaching, and students gave him joy. He was active in his church and his Catholic religion, men’s groups, Broken Bow camping friend group, and Bible study. Above all, he loved his family. Ultimately, he succumbed to pulmonary fibrosis and passed away peacefully, surrounded by family.
The oldest of 7 siblings, John was preceded in death by his parents, Irma Garrigan Burr and John G. Burr, Jr; his sisters, Elizabeth Burr and Sara Burr Renville, and sister-in-law Maryann Burr.
John is survived by his wife, Sharon; siblings Kate Burr Oliver (Gil) of Chevy Chase, MD, Maryellen Burr of Los Gatos, CA, Mark Burr (Lisa) of Austin, TX, Matthew Burr of Austin, TX; children John Burr IV of Los Angeles, CA, Jessie Burr Hockett (Andrew) of Austin, TX, Ehren Woyt (Jill) of Big Sur, CA; and grandchildren (Ava, Ryan, John V, and Orion); and a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Austin, TX on May 10, 2025 at 11:30a
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul the Apostle Church in Richardson, TX or St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Austin in his memory.
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John Burr was an extraordinary person. I feel grateful to have known him and learned from him, from the time I was a ch…
John Burr was an extraordinary person. I feel grateful to have known him and learned from him, from…
John Burr was an extraordinary person. I feel grateful to have k…
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