George L. Burkhardt

George L. "Cy" Burkhardt, age 97, of Donora, PA, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at his home with his loving family by his side.

He was born September 17,1926 in his home in Carroll Twp., PA the son of the late Louis B.C. Burkhardt and the late Martha Ellen (Hoag) Burkhardt.

A lifelong resident of Donora, PA and a loving, devoted husband to his childhood sweetheart, Geraldine (Andrews) with whom he celebrated nearly 70 years of marriage; Ten (10) children, 25 grandchildren, and 28+ great grandchildren (with one more on the way!)

At 16, he worked for his cousin, Frank H. Ries, later taking over the Ries Roofing and Heating business. He operated as George L. Burkhardt, where his three sons, Richard, Robert and George worked alongside him learning his trade of 65 years. His wife Geraldine and daughter Gerry worked as secretaries/bookkeepers.

George was a well-respected businessman, neighbor and friend. He was a member of the Donora Elks and the Mon Valley Home Builders Association.

His large family considered him hard working, gentle, and fun loving.

He enjoyed gardening, playing his Hawaiian guitar, tinkering in his workshop building and repairing things, playing cards with his wife, country music, helping neighbors and customers, and long walks in the woods with his dog.

He enjoyed storytelling of yesteryear's fond memories, especially of the three-day parties at the old homestead, which he lovingly crafted a replica of the home he lived in. With his many woodworking and tin skills, he made many treasured keepsakes for his family to enjoy for years to come. His cherished memories also included the many Fourth of July family reunion picnics at his sister and brother-in-law's Betty and George "Bud" Hixon's farm.

George especially enjoyed his 25th and 50th Wedding Anniversaries and celebrations of his 80th and 90th birthdays with family and friends. The special birthday parades past his shop/residence where the communnity acknowledged him by honking horns as they passed by and Proclamations (twice) naming September 17 as George L. Burkhardt Day in Donora.

He will forever be sadly missed and fondly remembered as being "One in a Million" ..... and a "Buddy to the End".

In addition to his parents George was preceded in death by his Beloved Wife Geraldine Helen (Andrews) Burkhardt; a daughter Gerry Ellen (Burkhardt) Babines; a granddaughter, Sarah Nicole Burkhardt; siblings, Edward Albert (Coos) Burkhardt, Anne (Leroy) Henry, Walter "Bucky" (Ann Lerner) Burkhardt, Thomas H. "Tim" (Hazel Mucy) Burkhardt, Elizabeth "Betty" (George "Bud") Hixon, Edward C. (Pearl Lilley)Burkhardt and Hilda (Harry "Bud") Rue.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his children, Karen (Joe) Oswald of Windsor, PA, Richard "Rick" (Deb) Burkhardt of Donora, Robert "Bob" (Debbie) Burkhardt of Florida, Judith "Judy" (Barry) Galiffa of Donora, Christie (Lou) Offerman of Donora, Barbara Burkhardt of Donora, Marijayne (Randy) Giovannucci of Monongahela, Lori Ann Burkhardt (his buddy to the end) of Fla., and George L. (Kimberly) Burkhardt II of Florida; grandchildren, Joel (Dawn) Oswald, Paul (Sara) Oswald, Hope (Devin) Davis , Laura Lee Burkhardt, Chad Burkhardt, Lance Burkhardt, Dana (Tyler) Smail, Derek (Leah) Galiffa, David Galiffa, Dylan (Kaylin) Galiffa, Alicia Babines, Bryan Babines, Louie Offerman, Leighann (Tim) Sanders, Lyle (Amber) Offerman, Luke (Danielle) Offerman, Brandon Burkhardt, Brianna Burkhardt, Dominic (Michelle Satterfield) Giovannucci, Jeffrey (Emily) Giovannucci, Amanda Morrison, Josh Morrison, Matthew Morrison, Victoria Jenks, and Ashley Burkhardt; Great Grandchildren, Corinne Oswald, Christian Oswald, Kaitlyn Oswald, Evan Oswald, Ricki Davis,Rylan Smail, Taygan Smail, Lillian Smail, Deegan Smail, Marco Galiffa, Mia Galiffa, Sawyer Galiffa, Amira Smiley, Vivian Leeks, Riley Offerman, Georgie Offerman, Elouise Offerman, Jacob Sanders, Caleb Sanders, Aaron Sanders, Ivan Offerman, Everett Offerman, and one on the way, Nora Burkhardt, Gianna Giovannucci, Arya Giovannucci, Saige Giovannucci, Stone Giovannucci, Juliet Mesa, Aurora Mesa, Charlotte Zevallos, and Lillianna Marcano; also numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony L. Massafra Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc., 40 Second Street Extension, Donora, PA 15033 (724) 379-6900 where the family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, December 28, 2023. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Friday December 29, 2023 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Jeff Diedrich officiating.

Interment will be at Mon Valley Memorial Park.