Howard "Gig" Burk

Howard James “Gig” Burk died peacefully surrounded by family on February 24th, 2024.

Gig was born June 3, 1941, one of ten children, to Mary (Huff) and Patrick Burk of Gallitzin. 

Loyal to his hometown, Gig lived and was an active part of the Gallitzin community his entire life including, amongst many things: the Fire Company, social organizations and the library.

He was a proud Army veteran having served two tours in Vietnam and always supporting Veteran’s organizations.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail into his seventies, Gig was an avid outdoorsman.  He loved golfing, gardening, hiking, fishing, snow birding to Florida and Myrtle Beach and his camp at Potter County.

What Gig loved the most were his family and friends and never needed to be asked to help anyone, in any way.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother and 3 sisters.

His is survived by two sons Steven and wife Sheila (Kurtzrock), Douglas and wife Francine (Stevens) and daughter Billie husband (Kenneth Oswalt);

his grandchildren include Tashia, Bryonna, Rhiannon, Brandon, Magnus, Lachlan and Teagan; siblings Pick, Gail, Linda, Mary Joan and Deb; surrogate families Todd Mihalko and Bill Mazzocco and numerous friends.

He will be missed by many people.

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to the Gallitzin Volunteer Fire Company or any Veteran Organization.

There will be no service at the request of the deceased.

Friends and Family are invited to celebrate Gigs life Thursday February 29th from 5-9 pm at the Gallitzin IMS. Arrangements by Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church Street, Gallitzin. Military Rites by Gallitzin American Legion, Ashville VFW and other local military organizations.

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