Obituaries

John Edward Burczyk

John Edward Burczyk, 63, of Greenport died March 29 at his home of natural causes.

Born in Penn Yan N.Y. Jan. 16, 1953, he was the only son of John and Edith Burczyk. In 1957 the family moved to Greenport and made wonderful childhood memories for John and his five sisters.

After graduating from Greenport High School in 1971, Johnny went on to Denver to learn to become a diesel mechanic. With the Vietnam war still raging, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy; his love of the sea never-ending. The USS Caloosahatchee (AO-98), a Cimarron Class Fleet Oiler was his station for the next four years. After an honorable discharge, John moved to North Idaho and then on to Montana where his sisters resided.

Although Johnny had various jobs with Bayliner Boats Inc., Diamond Lumber and Plum Island, he always made time to travel. South Africa, Croatia, Portugal and Holland, to name a few destinations. But when it was said and done Greenport was always be Johnny’s home, where he walked the memories of his youth in a town that was near and dear to his heart.

Johnny is survived by his sisters, Patricia Urban of  Kalispell, Montana, Trudy Boeding of Denver, Heidi Vandall of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Diana Busso and Caroline South of Rathdrum, Idaho. He also leaves behind eight nephews, five nieces, two grandnephews and four grandnieces, all saddened by their uncle’s passing.

His sisters said “His family will miss his handwritten letters and postcards, most especially his sisters, as he always signed off as your #1 brother.” They would like to thank Parker Rowe, Horton-Mathie Funeral Home, Johnny’s lifelong friend, Rickie Wright, and Dolores Tuthill Jacobs and her husband, Pete, for continuing support and kindness through all the years. His sisters said “Johnny lived away from us. It was comforting to know you were there for him.” They would also like to thank Pete at Scout Bookstore and all “Greenporters”who made Johnny’s last years enjoyable by helping him reminisce of days gone by.

The family will receive visitors Wednesday, April 6, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport, where the Recitation of the Rosary will take place at 6:30 pm. Interment will take place at Calverton National Cemetery.

This is a paid notice.