Richard U. Burkhart

Richard U. Burkhart, 73, of Tunkhannock, died after a long, valiant battle with cancer Saturday evening at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore. His wife is the former Mary Joivell of Pittston, PA.

Born in Nanticoke, PA, he was the son of the late Frederick and Elinor Kray Burkhart. He graduated from Kingston High School with the class of 1964. Rick later withdrew from Pre-Med at Wilkes College to join the United States Marine Corps and served two tours in Vietnam. He was proud to be a Marine.

After the Marine Corps, he started his 40 plus year career in the United States Merchant Marines and worked his way to the top rank of Chief Engineer. His world travels during that time included military-supply and support tours in the Middle East during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law John C. Bressler and Edward A. Uranowski, Jr. and by his beloved nephew, godson, and fellow Eagle Scout, Neil L. Bellanca.

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In addition to his true love Mary, he is survived by numerous, precious lifelong friends and first cousin Bonnie Wallace.  Additional survivors include brother-in-law John J. Joivell and wife Elizabeth, Calvin, PA; sister-in-law Virginia Joivell Bressler and companion, Kevin A. Jones, Taylor, PA; sister-in-law Elaine Bellanca and husband, Louis, Kingston Twp., PA; brother-in-law Hilary Joivell and wife, Karen, Harveys Lake, PA; sister-in-law Diane Joivell Uranowski, Drums, PA; and nieces Kristin Joivell and Jessica Weber.

The Burkhart Family suggests memorial donations in his name to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, 974 Lockville Rd., Dallas, PA 18612, or Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, 185 Research Drive, Pittston, PA 18640.

Friends may call on Friday from 2 PM to 4 PM at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 418 S. State Street, Clarks Summit. Military honors will be at 4 PM.