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Jesse R. “Bob” Burkett, 77, of Connellsville, passed away on Friday November 5, 2021 at Excela Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg, with his loving wife and children by his side.
He was born November 12, 1943 in Connellsville, a son of the late Jesse and Pearl (Reagan) Burkett.
Once he graduated high school, Jesse enlisted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his Country in the Vietnam War. Bob was extremely proud of being in the Army and was always tickled when someone noticed his Vietnam Veteran hat and would thank him for his service.
One returning from the war, Bob was employed as a custodian at Connellsville Senior High School until his retirement.
He was previously a member of First Baptist Church of Connellsville.
Bob was known to be a very religious man, always reading the Bible and taking the time to pray for anyone and everyone.
He coached Little League Baseball for a number of years and enjoyed watching many sports, including golf and football, especially the Steelers. He truly loved watching the Memorial Day parades that took place in Connellsville and enjoyed seeing people take time to appreciate and celebrate the veterans whose lives were lost during the wars, those who have passed, and those who are still living. He even made sure to arrive early so he could get just the right spot to watch.
He was known as a jokester and enjoyed teasing and picking on his grandchildren. His grandson, Josh, was not only his shadow, but his pride and joy. He always made sure to watch his grandson play hockey at the Ice Mine and he even had the chance to be able to coach him in Little League. He also enjoyed watching his granddaughters do many of their extracurricular activities, such as Lauren who played basketball and soccer, Jourdan who played soccer and Jessica dancing at Kids and Company. He was over the moon excited and proud when he found out Jessica finally made it into Pointe.
As his family said, Bob didn’t know a stranger, and would talk to anyone he could, whether it was someone he bumped into at a grocery store, someone at a restaurant or just someone on the street, he was always able to make conversation.
Bob was always just being ‘dad’ and he cared tremendously for his sweetheart, Gloria, and his children and grandchildren.
He will be deeply missed and the memories he created and were apart of will be left behind and forever cherished.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years on October 6, 2021, Gloria (Wisilosky) Burkett; his daughter, Cindy Miller and husband Jay of South Connellsville; son, Robert “Rob” Burkett and wife Jennifer of Connellsville; grandchildren, Lauren Miller and Jourdan Miller of South Connellsville and Jessica Burkett and Joshua Burkett of Connellsville; companion and loving grandpuppy, Toby Miller and his sister, Betty Jean Layman of Leisenring.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Burkett; father and mother-in-law, Martin and Ida Wisilosky and his grandparents, Albert and Cora Burkett.
Family and friends will be received in the PAUL G. FINK FUNERAL HOME, INC. 418 North Pittsburgh Street Connellsville, PA 15425 on Wednesday from 2pm – 4pm and 6pm – 8pm, with the Hopwood AMVETS General George C. Marshall Post #103 holding full Military Honors at 7pm, and on Thursday from 9am until the hour of the funeral service at 11am with Pastor Lee Maley officiating.
Interment will follow at Green Ridge Memorial Park, Connellsville.
Bob’s family would like to extend a special and sincere thank you to the nurses in 6B ICU for their care, compassion, and support while Bob was in their care.
If you wish to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit our website: www.paulgfinkfuneralhome.com.
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