Thomas Charles Burkett

BURKETT – Thomas Charles, 61, Johnstown, passed away Oct. 25, 2015, at Memorial Medical Center. Born Sept. 18, 1954, in Johnstown, son of Charles W. and Dorothy M. Burkett. Preceded in death by parents; brother, Robert L. McConnell Sr.; and aunt, Joyce A. Griffin. Survived by loving sister, Priscilla “Cill” Stricker, Johnstown; loving brother, Paul M. Burkett, Johnstown; uncle, Paul L. Dietz, and wife, Nancy, Richland; brother, John W. Porter, and wife, Cindy, Johnstown; best friend, Edward Kirkwood, and wife, Karen, New Jersey; nephews, Robert L. McConnell Jr., and wife, Teri, Parkhill, and William McConnell, Harrisburg; also his special furry children, Larry and Angel; and a furry cousin, Faith. Tom was a certified welder employed by Bethlehem Steel Corp. He formerly worked at Tobacco Village, and was a conductor at the Inclined Plane. He was a 1972 high school graduate of Vo-Tech, majoring in mining mechanics and welding. Tom was an aficionado in antique automobiles and he owned them. He and his brother, Paul traveled to antique car meets all over the east coast. Tom’s hobby was model car building and restoration. He was an expert model builder. He was a founder of the Olde “Pot Belly” Gang, a model and toy club of New Stanton, Pa. He traveled extensively with is brother all over the east coast to attend toy and model shows. He loved the movies. He loved to read the history of automobiles and technical manuals. Tom had a special place in his heart for dogs, of which in his life he had many. Tom will be sadly missed by all his friends he made in all of his travels. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Geisel Funeral Home, Johnstown, where funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, the Rev. Toby Holland, officiating. Interment, Grandview Cemetery. In lieu flowers, please make donations to Somerset SPCA in Tom’s name

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Charles Burkett, please visit our floral store.