Dr. Richard W. Burkard, 78, of Reading Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2016.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was a son of William L. and Gertrude Burkard, deceased.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marlene E. Burkard and their children, Richard T. Burkard, husband of Julie A. and Marianna E., wife of Roy Elrayes. There are also three grandchildren, James F. and Lillian M. Burkard, and Grace E. Elrayes. In addition, he is survived by his siblings, Ronald Burkard and his companion Gisela Herschel, Margaret wife of Joseph Hennessy, June Giardelli, and Laura wife Robert Hughes. There are also 10 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother Robert Burkard and niece Lorraine Miranda.
Richard was a professor of Spanish at Penn State Berks since 1982, last working in 2011. Richard received a Bachelor of Arts from City College of New York; a Masters of Arts from the Graduate School of Arts and Science, New York University; a Master of Arts from the School of Education, New York University; a Doctor of Philosophy, from the School of Education, New York University. As an undergraduate he won many awards for Excellence in Latin. He had near native fluency of Spanish, German, French, and reading knowledge of Latin and various other modern languages. He had published 2 books on Medieval Spanish Literature, 17 Articles, and 31 conference presentations.
Richard was always generous, unassuming, and faithful, and had a sense of humor. He loved babies, giving candy to his grandchildren, listening to his children play the piano, reading, renaissance and medieval music, the beaches of Long Island, and Quebec. He often was a source of clear and simple wisdom to his family. He loved all living things, especially trees and dogs, and had compassion on the homeless.
He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church and the Reading Liederkranz.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, September 29th, 2016 at Christ Episcopal Church, 435 Court St, Reading, PA. Funeral services and burial will follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Christ Episcopal Church or the Best Friends Animal Society.
Henninger Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. www.henningerfuneralhome.com
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