Obituary of Richard V. Burt

Richard Vernon “Dick” Burt of Maxwell Drive, Titusville died peacefully at Hamot Hospital in Erie on Sunday, March 5, 2017, surrounded by his family. Born August 10, 1933 in Crosby, Pennsylvania, to parents Vernon Arthur and Mazie Belle (Henrich), he married his childhood sweetheart Donna Jean Henery on New Year’s Day, 1954, She and his brother, Wayne preceded him in death. Richard is survived by the pride of his life, his three sons: Richard D. Burt and wife Holly of Titusville, William Burt and wife Kim of Meadville, and Michael Burt and wife Jody of Titusville. In addition, he is survived by his brother’s children, Debbie Faucher, and David, Dwayne, Craig, and Roy Burt. Also surviving are nieces Cindy Balestrino, Chris Daugherty, nephew William Hungiville, and his brother in law Bill Hungiville of Smethport. With unreserved love, Dick enjoyed being a part of his grandchildren’s lives: Nicholas Burt of Chicago, Matthew Burt of Titusville, Lindsey Burt of New York City, Jessie Rose of Titusville, Andrea Vincent of Cranberry, Jamie Burt of Tionesta, James Burt of Macon, Georgia, and Joseph Burt of Titusville. He delighted in his five young great grandchildren: Riley, Sean, Logan, and Landon Rose, and Chandler Vincent. Dick served as president of his class at Smethport High, lettering in track and basketball, graduating in 1952. He earned a business degree from Alfred State in 1959, following two years of service and an honorable discharged from the Army. Dick spent his early career as a salesman for General Mills in Buffalo, NY and later moved to Titusville after accepting a position with INA, the Insurance Company of North American. When the opportunity arose, he returned home to Smethport purchasing Burdick’s Insurance on Main Street where he and his wife carved out a wonderful life near friends and family where they had grown up. Dick was a 32nd Degree Mason, a 50 year member most recently of McKean Lodge No. 388. An active Rotarian since 1983, he was named a Paul Harris Fellow in 1998. Dick served as Treasurer of the Smethport chapter from 1987 to 2005 and had been an honorary member of the Smethport chapter since. Dick returned to Smethport High School in 1990 to serve ten years on the school board. Since 1976, he maintained membership in the amateur radio society. He was a manager at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Smethport for many years. Born to a family of outdoorsmen, Dick instilled a passion for the outdoors in his sons and their families at Bear Head Lodge, up Christian Hollow. He maintained a long tenure as member and president of the Oil Creek Beagle Club. An avid golfer, he socialized in leagues as a member of Smethport Country Club and enjoyed the same camaraderie on courses in and around Titusville. Dick avidly followed his son’s and grandchildren’s sports, as a fan, coach and certified baseball umpire. His melodic booming baritone echoes still in the ears of players and umpires alike. No public calling hours will be observed. Following his wishes he will be buried alongside his wife in Crosby in the spring. If you wish to leave a condolence for the family, go to garrettfuneralhomeinc.com