Edward Clarence Burkett

He was born in Harrisburg, PA, April 09, 1951 to the late Dewey Harry Burkett and Georgia Elizabeth (Hughes) Burkett. He was the fifth of six siblings, preceded in death by his siblings: Ralph S. Burkett, Gerald B. Burkett and Claire (Burkett) Hall and survived by his siblings: Dewey H. Burkett, Jr. and Ellen (Burkett) Baron. Ed, as he was known to friends and family, graduated from Middletown Area High School and went on to serve in the United States Navy for 20 years. He was married to Vicki (Stark) Burkett for 29 years. He was formerly married to Generosa (Dayola) Burkett for 20 years.

He loved to travel the world and see the ocean. His favorite pastimes were going on cruises and visiting his hometown in Pennsylvania. He moved to Arizona and lived there for 15 years. He was grateful he did not have to shovel the sunshine. Rarely seen without his US Navy hat, Ed could talk with anyone about history, politics, sci-fiction, news and the weather, particularly over a hot cup of coffee. Throughout the day you could hear him listening to his favorite country music and smoking his pipe. He loved bringing the family together with his favorite recipes especially at Thanksgiving. Ed lived his life to the fullest with honor and dignity.

He is survived by his son, Edward C. Burkett, Jr. and his wife Gloria Burkett; daughter Christina (Burkett) Williams and her husband Christopher Williams; and stepdaughters Brenda Lee (Back) Berkheiser and her husband Nathan Berkheiser and Karen Marie (Back) Wood and her husband Kevin Marc Wood as well as his 10 grandchildren, numerous generations of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Fair winds and following seas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to: St. Jude Children’s Hospital and The ASPCA. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at a later date. Family and friends will be privately notified.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakeshoreMort.com for the Burkett family.