Obituary of William O. Burdick

Smethport - William O. Burdick, 88, of Smethport, died Thursday (June 3, 2010) at his home in Smethport. He was born June 19, 1921 in Smethport, a son of Luey and Edna Arnold Burdick. On July 28, 1946, in Smethport, PA, he married Alva Bernard, who survives. Mr. Burdick was a graduate of Smethport High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and served as a Sgt. with Co. A 551st Engineer Battlalion in the European Theater, spanning Germany, France, and Belgium. Mr. Burdick was awarded a Purple Heart for his injuries in service. He had served from 1942 to 1945. Mr. Burdick had worked as an electrician for the Smethport Borough for 20 years, was a self employed electrician for 8 years, and he and his wife owned and operated the Smethport Motel from 1975 to 1993, at which time, they retired. He was a member of St Luke's Episcopal Church, Smethport, a lifetime member of the Smethport Fire Dept., the Smethport Country Club, the American Legion Bucktail Post #138, Smethport, and the VFW Post #2497 of Smethport. More than anything, Mr. Burdick loved his family, friends, and country. He loved playing golf, watching the Buffalo Bills, NASCAR, and greeting his friends and family with the phrase,"Glad to have you aboard-let's have a noggin" In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters: Nancy (Walt) Mackey of Bradford, PA, Rebecca (Robert) Funk of Smethport, PA one son: Robert (Donna) Burdick of Smethport, PA 6 Grandchildren: Sr. Mst. Sgt. David (Kristin) Mackey of Beaver Creek, OH; Joseph Mackey, Bradford; Jennifer (Michael) Vercillo, McKean, PA; James (Heather) Funk, Smethport; Jill (Branden) Labecki, Lower Burrell, PA and Pamela Burdick, Smethport; 5 great grandchildren In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Margaret Boswick. Visitation will be held on Friday from 6-8 P.M. at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, PA, where funeral and committal services will be held on Saturday, June 5, at 10 A.M., with the Rev. Max Simms, pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport. Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138, Smethport, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Legion Bucktail Post #138, or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.