Joseph W. Burkhart, 73, of Baldwinsville passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on January 28th, 2014. Joe was born in Lowville, NY on February 19th, 1940. Joe graduated from Port Leyden High School and went on to graduate from SUNY Delhi, where he studied building construction. He moved to Baldwinsville in 1964 where he worked at Tappan Lumber Company then became a self-employed builder founding Burkhart Quality Homes.

Joe was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family. Attending his grandchildren's sporting events and activities was his favorite pastime. He loved and was very proud of his eight grandchildren. He also enjoyed golfing, traveling, and collecting automobiles. His spirit will live on in all those who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Sylvester and Eleanor; two sisters, Mary and Elizabeth and his granddaughter, Jade Seale.

His family includes his loving wife of 49 years, Carol Ann (Payne); daughters, Lynn (Andy) Brussel of Baldwinsville, Karen (Joel) Smith of Baldwinsville, Mary Seale of Diamond Point and a son Robert Burkhart of Baldwinsville. Grandchildren are Joah Burkhart, Michael, Carolyn and James Brussel, Evan and Grace Smith, and Dylan and Prysilla Seale. A sister, Ann (Rodney) Persons of Baldwinsville and a niece and nephews.

Services: Family and friends may call Saturday, February 1st, 2014, from 10:00am to 11:30am at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 7333 O'Brien Road in Baldwinsville. A Memorial Mass will follow at noon. In keeping with his wishes, his body has been donated to the SUNY Upstate Medical University Anatomical Gift Program.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Ronald McDonald House Charities of CNY, 1100 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13210 or the Guardian Angel Society, 259 East Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY 13202.