John Burkhart

John Paul “Scorchy” Burkhart, age 94, of Harborcreek, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. He was born in Erie on December 20, 1931, son of the late Ross J. and Catherine B. (Quinn) Burkhart.

A United States Army veteran of the Korean War, John was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service to his country. He was a dedicated member of the Boilermakers Union Local #744 in Cleveland since 1949, retiring in 1993. John also previously owned Burkhart Boats and Boilers. A faithful member of St. Gregory Church, he was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and belonged to the Moose Lodge East Erie Lodge and American Legion Lakeshore Post #105. John enjoyed working on boats and traveling extensively throughout the country with his wife in their RV, including many trips to Mexico.

John is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mary Lou (Koenig) Burkhart; five children: Daniel J. Burkhart (Nadine), Michael R. Burkhart (Joanne), Mary Elizabeth Shaffer (Preston), Kathleen L. Wilson, and John T. Burkhart (Kelly); 10 grandchildren: Cassandra Fox, Joseph Burkhart, Christopher Burkhart, Jason Haft, Preston Shaffer, Jr., Carrie Ann Burkhart, Lynette Mazzone, Kayla Weihrauch, Kali Burkhart, and Alexis Burkhart; as well as many, many great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by one sister, Patricia Ann White and one brother, Joseph R. Burkhart.

Friends may call at the St. Barnabas Chapel at Brevillier Village, 5416 East Lake Road, on Friday, May 29th from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service there at 1 PM. John will then be laid to rest at St. Gregory Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Dusckas Funeral & Cremation Services Harborcreek. Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, Brevillier Village, 5416 E Lake Rd, Erie, PA 16511, or Benedictine Sisters of Erie, 6101 E Lake Rd, Erie, PA 16511. Condolences may be offered at www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.