David "Turk" R. Burkett

David R. “Turk” Burkett, 87, of South Buffalo Twp., passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at his home.

He was born April 13, 1935, in Butler Junction, Buffalo Twp., Butler County to the late David C. Burkett and Margaret (Blewett) Piazza.

Turk was a bricklayer, refractory specialist and a construction supervisor by trade until his retirement in 1997.

He was a member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers #4, Indiana, Kentucky and the Freeport Eagles.

Turk enjoyed hunting, fishing, sport fishing for marlin offshore of Ocean City, MD, and really enjoyed chasing women (until he met Barb!), but his true avocation was lovingly caring for his “four-footed” friends. In addition, he loved to hang out at Nan Cs and then across the street at Freeport Foods, towards the end he acquired a great taste for Luigi’s Cherry Italian ice.  

He always had a love for sports. He received 11 out of 12 possible letters for high school sports. Turk received 11 full college scholarship offers and chose the University of Maryland. Turk found that college wasn’t for him left college in his first year to begin the start of a successful working life. He played semi-pro football for a short period of time and also played slow pitch softball until he was in his early fifties. Later in life, he gained a love for ice hockey.

Turk leaves behind to cherish his memory, his better half of 34 years, Barbara J. “Barb” Suran of South Buffalo, his nine children, Curt (Kathy) Burkett of Oak Ridge, TN, Renee (Mike, Sr.) Swart of Highland, IN, Mike (Lisa) Lenaburg of Highland, IN, Marc (Amanda) Lenaburg, of Munster, IN, Jim Burkett of Hazelton, PA, Tim Burkett of Edgely, Amanda (Kyle) Adams of Freedonia, PA, Ashleigh Suran of Sarver, Cassie Suran of Freeport; his grandchildren: Joel Burkett, Jessica (Hayden) Poynter, Zak (Ceaira) Burkett, Jacob Reisser, Alex Reisser, Marissa Lenaburg, Mike Lenaburg, Amber McCabe, Zack Lenaburg, Sarah Lenaburg, Julia Lenaburg, Nick (Larissa) Naumoff, Katy (Kyle) Geffert, Megan (Bill) Hamm, Nicole Burkett, Tyler Burkett, Theodora  Adams, his great-grandchildren, Penny Poynter, Waylon Poynter, Eleanor Burkett, Caroline Burkett, Nila Naumoff, Daniella Naumoff, Aiden Bush, his sister, Carol Sembrot, half-sister, Tracy D. Hopkins, his ex-wives, Eleanor (Rusty) Stokes Burkett, Doris Pone, Patricia Burkett, Deborah Johnson Kutsch, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Turk was preceded in death by his parents mentioned above, two children, David Christian Burkett, Cynthia Sue Reisser, his brother Ronald Burkett, half-brother, Tonni Lee Burkett and ex-wife, Mary Michael.

 At Turk’s request, there will be no public visitation or funeral ceremonies. A Celebration of Turk’s life will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Dennis J. Daugherty Funeral Home, 324 Fourth Street, Freeport, PA 16229. (724-295-3100).

Please visit www.daughertyfh.com for condolences.

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