Joseph Burgert

Joseph “Joe” Raymond Burgert age 71 of Erie, died Saturday, June 25, 2016 in Greenville PA while attending a church retreat.

He was born in Franklin, PA on May 8, 1945 a son of the late Rexford and Alice Sutley Burgert.

He was a 1963 graduate of Franklin High School and then received his Bachelor of Science Degree in English from Clarion University. Upon graduation from Clarion University he taught English at Titusville High School and joined the US Army reserves. Upon discharge from the Army reserves in 1969, he was employed by the Erie Center for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (Blind Center). He worked for many years at the Center in various capacities including mobility instruction, retiring in 2007. He played the organ at several churches beginning in his high school years. Most recently, he directed the choir at Abiding Hope Lutheran Church in Erie, where he also played the organ. He loved spending time with the family, especially his grandchildren. He loved gardening, yard work and traveling.

In addition to his wife Connie Kockler Burgert (whom he met in kindergarten) he also leaves two sons; John Burgert and his wife Sharon and Jason Burgert all of Erie. He also leaves his granddaughters Lindsey and Alyson along with a sister; Pamela Burgert and a special friend, Margo Baker of Erie.

Friends may call at Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Ave.) Erie, PA 16506 on Wednesday from 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm and are invited to a memorial service on Thursday at 10:00 am at The Abiding Hope Lutheran Church, 5312 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509 with Pastor Roy Washill officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Joseph Burgert to Abiding Hope Lutheran Church, 5312 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509 or to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454 Alexandria, VA 22312.