John M. Burnette, Jr.

John M. Burnette, Jr., 42, of Washington, passed away peacefully in his home on November 11, 2022. He was born on September 26, 1980, in Washington, a son of John M. (Donna) Burnette, of Prosperity and Rebecca Ann (Dave) Zelenka Cecchine, of Washington. A 1998 graduate of Trinity High School, he graduated Cum Laude in 2002, with a degree in teaching from the prestigious Washington and Jefferson College. He was a Junior High teacher in the Greater Latrobe School District, where he was a Spanish instructor. John started the Helping Hands Committee. In 2019, due to health concerns, John made the difficult decision to retire from his beloved teaching position. A compassionate person who loved helping others, and went out of his way to do so, John’s passion was teaching and Spanish. His family meant the world to him. He loved taking care of his grandparents, spending time with family, and adored time spent with his nieces and nephews. John always looked forward to fun trips to the casino with his grandmother, and he loved his cat Buddy. Surviving, in addition to his parents are his cousin, who was like a sister to him, Kyra (Joe) Matachak, of Cranberry; his nephew, Jacob Matachak; his niece, Alyson Matachak; his paternal grandmother, Jean Burnette, of Prosperity; aunts and uncles, Brenda (R.J.) Steinstraw, Carla (Chad) Dittman, Debbie Winfield and Stephen Zelenka; as well as several cousins. Deceased are his maternal grandmother, Edith Zelenka, who was like a second mother to him; maternal grandfather, Edward Zelenka; paternal grandfather, Clifford Burnette; his uncle, Ricky Zelenka; his aunt, Jodi McNich; and his great uncle, Steve Zelenka. Friends and family are welcome on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington. Memorial contributions may be made to Pet Search, P.O. Box 1653, Washington, PA 15301.