Rebecca A. (Castelluccio) Burns, 79, went home to her Lord and Savior on Monday, September 28, 2026. She was born on December 28, 1946, in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, to the late John A. and Betty J. (Mason) Castelluccio.
Rebecca was a graduate of Waynesboro High School and went on to further her education at Shippensburg University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education. Her career reflected one of the things that mattered most to her—helping others learn and grow. Rebecca worked as a librarian and teacher before spending nearly two decades with the Department of Education. No matter what role she held, teaching remained close to her heart. She believed strongly in the value of education and was passionate about making sure that everyone had the opportunity to learn and succeed.
In 1966, Rebecca married her high school sweetheart, Terry. Over the six decades that followed, they built a loving family that remained at the center of what she treasured most in her life. The life they created together—rich with family and lasting memories—will be cherished for generations to come.
Above all else, Rebecca was a family woman. Her family was her greatest joy, and she never needed a special occasion to remind them how much they meant to her. She was an incredible mother and an absolutely devoted grandmother. Rebecca adored her grandchildren and took great pride in being a part of their lives. She wanted to know what they were doing, what they were learning and what was happening in their world. If she couldn’t be there in person, she found another way—whether through a phone call, a FaceTime conversation or simply making sure they knew she was thinking of them. Her grandchildren will always carry with them the love and memories of a Grandma who was truly present for them.
Rebecca also had a wonderful sense of adventure and enjoyed traveling. She took many cruises and loved seeing new places and experiencing all that the world had to offer. Las Vegas, Nevada, held a particularly special place in her heart and was among her favorite places to visit.
Rebecca’s life was one of love, learning and family. She leaves behind not only the people who loved her, but the countless lessons, stories and memories that will continue to bring her family together. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the love she gave so freely will remain with them always.
Rebecca is survived by her beloved husband, Terry L. Burns of Harrisburg; her sons, Todd Burns and wife, Kelli, of Harrisburg, and Derick Burns and wife, Melissa, of Pleasant Gap; her grandchildren, Samantha Linn Burns and Christopher Robert Burns; and her sisters, Judith Eakle and husband, Donald, of Waynesboro, Teresa Hoover of Waynesboro, Julie Ulery of Stansbury Park, Utah, and M. Angela MacDonald of New Cumberland.
In addition to her parents, Rebecca was preceded in death by her only brother, J. Michael Castelluccio.
Services will be held privately by the family. They kindly ask that their privacy be respected and sincerely appreciate the love, support and understanding of family and friends during this time.
