Clifford Edd

Clifford A. Burket, EdD, 89, formerly of Sinking Spring, passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 8:40 pm in Cornerstone Hospice, Tavares, Florida. He was the husband of Irene (Shilts) Burket and was preceded in death by his first wife Dolores B. (Harrison) Burket in 1999.

Born in Altoona, PA Dr. Burket was the son of the late Walter and Sara (Wimmel) Burket. He was preceded in death by his only sibling Walter Burket Jr of Portage PA.

Cliff was a graduate of Portage Area High School, and earned a Bachelor's Degree from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. He was employed as a Math and Physical Education teacher at Portage Area High School and subsequently earned a Master's Degree from Thiel College in Greenville PA. After spending time as an Assistant Principal at Portage, Cliff attended the University of Pittsburgh and received a Doctorate of Education.

Upon receiving his doctorate Cliff accepted a professorship in the Education Department at Albright College. He left Albright College to work for the Pennsylvania Department of Education and subsequently Lehigh University in their Graduate School of Education. After returning to Albright Dr. Burket served as the Chairman of the Education Department and retired from Albright College. As a teacher Cliff positively touched many lives and was beloved by many of his students.

He was a member of the West Lawn United Methodist Church and taught many years there as a Sunday School teacher. He is a veteran, serving in the United States Air Force during World War II. Cliff loved to spend his free time with family & friends, and on the golf course. Cliff greatly enjoyed teaching, had a great gift of talking with people, making others feel embraced and welcomed, and loved sharing stories with others.

In addition to his wife, Dr. Burket is survived by his son Robert D. Burket, husband of June H. Burket of Coatesville and his daughter Joyce E. Mays, wife of Dennis L. Mays of Sinking Spring and along with his grandchildren Jill L. Ladd, wife of Adam Ladd of Coatesville PA; David A. Burket, husband of Aubree Burket of Morgantown PA, and Matthew A. Mays, husband of Tori Mays of Aston PA. Cliff also had 2 great grandchildren Madeline Rose Ladd of Coatesville PA and Ansley Jo Mays of Aston, PA.
Cliff will be greatly missed. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather, & great grandfather and was beloved by family and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held in West Lawn United Methodist Church 15 Woodside Ave. West Lawn, PA 19609, Monday, June 6, 2016 at 11:00 am. Reverend Jeffrey A. Raffauf will officiate. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Pleasant View Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends in West Lawn United Methodist Church Monday from 10:30-11:00 am. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to West Lawn United Methodist Church Memorial Fund at the above address in memory of Dr. Clifford A. Burket. Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory, 3825 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com