John Percy “Jack” Burkett, 86, of Punxsutawney, passed away on Friday, January 7, 2022 at Punxsutawney Area Hospital.
He was born in Punxsutawney on February 02, 1935, a son of the late Percy Burkett and Laura (Swarmer) Burkett.
He met the love of his life at a skating rink in North Tonawanda, New York.
He married Barbara Jane Edmunds on June 20, 1959. They enjoyed sixty-two years of marriage and raised a family together.
He was a great husband and dad.
Mr. Burkett served in the United States Army and Army Reserves from 1961-1967.
He was very proud of his service to his country and remained a proud veteran throughout his life.
Jack worked as an Engineer for B&O Railroad for thirty-eight years; he remained with the railroad through many name changes, such as Chessie, B&P and CSX.
He enjoyed his career and the opportunities it provided for him and his family.
He was a member of the Punxsutawney Fraternal Order of the Eagles #1231 and the John Jacob Fisher American Legion Post #62.
Jack loved golfing with his buddies at Hemlock and White Oak Golf Courses.
He enjoyed the sunshine, exercise and friendship over the years.
He loved to go camping with his family and extended families.
He and Barb camped in comfort with their camper.
They happily traveled to wherever the next destination was going to be and thoroughly enjoyed the low-key peace and quiet of the campfire, cookouts and sights along the way.
He also liked to watch sports on television.
In addition to his wife Barb, he is survived by three children, Linda Cermanaro of Virginia, Debbie Himes and husband Floyd, and Mark Burkett and wife Lori, all of Punxsutawney; five grandchildren, Matthew German and wife Jaime of Falls Creek, Amy Bergreen and husband Donnie of Punxsutawney, Jared and Lucas Burkett and John Cermanaro; five great grandchildren; one sister, Nancy Gaston and husband Al of Rochester Mills.
He is preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, William, Ronald, Jerry and Thomas Burkett.
There will be no viewing, however, friends will be received from noon until 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Punxsutawney.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Erin Kobs.
Military honors will be accorded by the Jefferson County Veterans Honor Guard.
His ashes will be interred at Oliveburg Presbyterian Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in Jack’s memory to Make A Wish, 217 W. Mahoning Street, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.
Online condolences may be made at www.shumakerfh.com.
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