Robert G. Burkhart, 68
Dateline: Norton, MA
Robert G. Burkhart, 68, of Norton passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday August 29, 2009 at home. He was the beloved husband of Janice M. (Paille) Burkhart whom he married August 16, 1969.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 17, 1941 he was a dear son of the late George E. and Elizabeth A. (Rybar) Burkhart.
Bob grew up and was educated in Pittsburgh and was a 1960 graduate of Penn Hills High School. After graduation he proudly served his country for 4 years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era and was honorably discharged in 1967 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Prior to serving his country Bob had worked as a Medical Photographer at St. Francis General Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Upon being discharged from the Air Force Bob furthered his education and was a 1970 graduate of Clarion University where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. Bob had worked in retail banking at Old Stone Bank in Providence and after 25 years of faithful service retired in 1993 as an Executive Vice President. He was also a member and past president of the Rhode Island Bankers Association.
Bob settled in Norton, a town he deeply loved, 38 years ago and became quite active in Norton town affairs. He served as a director on the Norton Public Library Board and also served as a treasurer of the Norton Public Library and Park Committee and was a member of the building committee for the development of the new town library and park. Bob was a life member, served on the board of directors and was an auditor at the Norton Historical Society and was a director and past president of the Norton Land Preservation Society.
Mr. Burkhart was a Model A. enthusiast and was a member and treasurer of the Massachusetts Model A. Restoration Club. Bob was also a life member of the American French Genealogy Society; was a member of the Department of Social Services Citizens Board in Attleboro and was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Norton.
In addition to his beloved wife Jan, Bob is survived by his devoted son Dean A. Foster and his wife Diane of Taunton. He was the brother of Richard J. Burkhart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Lee James Burkhart of Leicester, North Carolina. Also surviving are his cherished granddaughters Bryttany Marie Foster of Norton and Autumn Rose Foster of Taunton. Mr. Burkhart also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
His funeral, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Saturday September 5th at 9:00 A.M. from the Norton Memorial Funeral Home 19 Clapp St. (Off Route 140, Taunton Ave.) Norton followed by a mass of Christian burial celebrated at 10:00 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church 133 South Worcester St. Norton. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Francis Cemetery, Taunton.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday September 4th from 4-8 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home.
Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the American French Genealogy Society P.O. Box 830 Woonsocket, R.I. 02895.
For additional information please visit www.nortonmemorial.com