Darrell John Burnett Ph.D.

Darrell John Burnett Ph.D.

November 14, 1940 - August 26, 2023

Darrell John Burnett Ph.D.

November 14, 1940 - August 26, 2023

Obituary

Dr. Darrell John Burnett

Dr. Darrell John Burnett, aged 82, of Laguna Niguel, CA, passed away on August 26th, 2023.

He was born November 14th, 1940, in Cincinnati, Ohio to Jule and Marian Burnett.

Darrell was known for his infectious sense of humor and love of games, always ensuring those in his company were filled with laughter and joy. A gifted public speaker and published author, he worked as a clinical and sports psychologist, helping others with wisdom and kindness until retiring in 2021.

He dedicated nearly thirty years to the Little League Challenger Division for children with special needs, greatly increasing the division’s visibility, inclusivity, and positive impact. For his involvement, he was honored as the 2001 Laguna Niguel Citizen of the Year. In 2007, after being honored as the Little League Challenger Volunteer of the Year, he was invited to join the Board of Directors of Little League International as an at-large member.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, coach, and friend, Darrell will be missed by all who knew him.

Darrell was preceded in death by his father, Jule, mother, Marian, and brothers Dale and Robert. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Susann Burnett, his children Jill Hill (Brent Hill), Tom Burnett, and Matt Burnett (Shawna Burnett), his sister Joy Weidner (Paul Weidner), eight grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, September 12th at 11am at the Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano, California. Donations in his memory may be made to the Challenger Division of Little League at: https://www.littleleague.org/who-we-are/making-a-donation/.

Funeral Mass

  • Date & Time: September 12, 2023 (11:00 AM)
  • Venue: Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano
  • Location: 31520 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 - (Get Directions)

Challenger Division Of Little League

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2 responses to Darrell John Burnett Ph.D.

  1. Jason A Redwine says:

    I’m Jason Redwine. Darrell’s son, Tom, has been my good friend for 27 years.

    I didn’t personally know Darrel very well. Or at least so I thought.

    After hearing everyone speak about Darrell, it’s clear his humorous “isms” were passed down to my dear friend Tom, and, in turn, I stole from him.

    Everyone wants to leave a lasting legacy, and Darrell clearly has many, but, I’ll tell you, to this day, in the Redwine household, all the way back in Cincinnati Ohio, you will regularly hear: “Patented hook shot”, “aaaand im out”, “you know, it’s been good playing with you, ” as the winning move is executed. All of my kids have adopted some or all of these.

    I imagine these will be passed on for generations. They are just too good!

    Thanks for all the great laughs, Darrel. Your legacy lives on!

    1. Susann Burnett says:

      Thanks Jason for the sweet remembrance.

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