Roger Johnson Burns

Roger Johnson Burns, born August 24,1944 in New Jersey to Marion (Johnson) and Eugene Burns, passed away peacefully at home on April 8, 2026. Roger grew up in Woodbridge, NJ and moved to Haddonfield, NJ in 6th grade. There he met his first wife, Patricia Pearson (now Ross). He attended the Peddie School in Hightstown and went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania and The Wharton School of Business.

Roger and Pat bought a home in Cherry Hill, NJ and then Haddonfield, returning to their roots. They raised Jennifer (Doug Gray) and Mark (Christine) there while renovating a beloved Victorian home. Roger did most of the renovation work himself with his beloved table saw.

Roger had a very successful business management career, founding Meidinger Consulting’s Philadelphia office in his twenties with business partner Doug McEvoy. The consulting business thrived and was ultimately sold to William M. Mercer, where he stayed for 35 years until his retirement in 2009. Roger was a worldwide partner at Mercer, running various regions throughout the country as well as having global responsibilities. Having lived in various places throughout the country, he ultimately settled in New Canaan, CT.

While at Mercer, he met his wife Joanne (Potanovic/Sullivan). Joanne brought daughter Lindsay Sullivan (Gregg Scheiferstien) and an extensive Potanovic family to their marriage; all brought Roger great joy and love. During their 23 years of marriage, he and Joanne enjoyed playing golf, tennis, biking and traveling. They also enjoyed spending time with family and friends whom they loved hosting in the antique home they restored together in Connecticut.

Roger was a giver and enjoyed engaging in community. He coached church league basketball as a young man in Haddonfield and was a mentor to many of his players. While in New Canaan, he became involved with the Connecticut Special Olympics, eventually chairing their board. He was also extensively involved with the Peddie School for which he felt a deep devotion. Over the years, he chaired and served on many committees and was an active school trustee. When he and Joanne moved south to the Carolinas, Roger got involved in the local Rotary Club. Throughout his life he was also an active church member.

An avid sports participant and enthusiast, Roger played high school football, basketball, baseball and ran track. He was a highly regarded quarterback, earning the nickname “Like a Rifle.” As an adult, he was often seen running 10-mile loops at a 6-minute pace and even completed a marathon. He played squash, tennis, and racquetball, but his true passion was playing golf. When not participating in a sport himself, he loved watching sports - particularly his cherished UPenn Quaker men’s basketball team (a season ticket holder) and the New York Yankees. Roger was unique in being a fan of both the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles. However, nothing gave him more joy than watching his grandchildren participate in sports.

Roger was a good friend and made lasting connections with so many people at every stage of life, especially his “brothers from different mothers” John Kersic, Frank Peabody, Arthur Brown, Tim Hurson and Paul McDermott. He kept close to many of his wonderful Peddie

friends throughout his life and was predeceased by his Peddie brother Dale Lashnits. Over the years, he and Joanne loved visiting, vacationing with and hosting these special friends. In retirement they made lasting connections with wonderful new friends in their SMG and Salmon Club groups.

Roger was a true dog dad and a reluctant cat dad never wanting to be without a furry companion. All of his four-legged buddies were devoted to him and gave him as much love as he gave to them. Stevie has been his faithful companion at his side these last few years.

Roger was a wonderful father and husband and a very devoted grandfather. He worked hard to develop connections with all seven of his grandchildren, and he was their number one fan.

In addition to Joanne, Jennifer, Mark, and Lindsay, Roger is survived by his sister Marcia (Malmfeldt) and grandchildren Brittany, Pearson (Emily), Samantha, Ashleigh, Logan, Katherine, and Charlotte. He was predeceased by his parents and cherished sister Elizabeth.

A memorial service will be held on May 30 at 1:00 pm with a visitation/reception from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Walker’s Funeral Home, 11680 US Highway 15501 North, Chapel Hill, NC 27517. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Roger’s memory can be made to The Peddie Fund. https://peddie.org/give