Harold LaVerne Burge, age 88, went home to be with his beloved Savior and to join his sweetheart, Berniece on Saturday, July 24, 2010.
His positive attitude was a light and inspiration to all who knew him . . . .
He was born October 28, 1921 in Saegertown, PA, son of the late Gladys Flickinger Burge and Ralph Burge. After graduating from Waterford Joint High School, Harold proudly served his country in WWII with the Army Air Force, 9th Air Force, 460th Air Service Squadron, in Normandy, Northern France, and Central Europe.
Harold was employed by Bliley Electric, Atlantic Refining, and retired from General Electric in 1987, while also volunteering with the Stancliff Hose Company in Waterford. He was a designer of frames and balloon artist for the family business, Balloon Lagoon. Harold loved spending time in the sun at his daughter Mary Lou’s home in Myrtle Beach. He was an avid Indians fan, and enjoyed baking “Blind man’s” pie and winning at the card game “65”.
His greatest passion was spreading the Gospel as a Minister for The Church of Jesus Christ, headquartered in Mononghela, PA, and spending time with his Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Berniece Lockwood Burge, whom he married July 10, 1942 and who died February 20, 2005; a brother, Charles (Chuck) Burge and sister, Irene Glasgow.
Harold is survived by four loving daughters: Marlene (Ed) Meyer, Harborcreek; Judy (Bob) Amon, Canadohta Lake; Renee (Jeff) Goodwill, Waterford; and Mary Lou (Mark) Avant of Murrells Inlet, SC. He was Grandfather of Brian (Karen) Meyer, Dean (Lynda) Meyer, Jennifer (Dennis) Hultberg, Randy (Mary Beth) Amon, Wendy (Steve) Carson, TJ Goodwill, Holly Funkhouser, and Brandon & Tyler Avant; and “GGPa”?to Lindsey, Lauren, Ben, & Kara Meyer; Lexie, Taylor, & Brianne Amon; and Tanner Carson. He is also survived by a sister, Mary (Leonard) Zimmer and brother, William (Marian) Burge, sisters-in-law Beatrice (Peach) Robertson, Francis Burge, and Rachel Lockwood, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great-nephews, and cousins.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Monday evening from 7-9pm and on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral services will be there Wednesday morning at 11:00am officiated by Ministers Joshua and Christopher Gehly from the Church of Jesus Christ. Interment will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Saint Mary’s Home of Erie, East.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stancliff Hose, PO Box 275, Waterford, PA 16441, the John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, 915 State Street, Erie, PA 16501, or The Church of Jesus Christ, 3126 State Street, Erie, PA 16508.
We wanted to extend our love and condolences in the passing of Brother Harold. He and sister Bernice were like parents to us when we lived in Erie, and they became an important part of our life. We are thankful to have had the opportunity to know and love him and there certainly was not a kinder, gentler soul under heaven. What a joy it must have been to have him with you and your family for so many years. We are sure that he and my father, Bro Russ, are greeting each other and rejoicing in heaven.
I was inspired a few weeks ago to call Brother Harold and speak with him in the nursing home. He was very happy to speak with me and we reminisced about our years together. Little did I know that it would be our final chat, and I’m so thankful for the time we had together. He was very interested in what Stacey and my daughter Erin were doing and it was such a blessing to spend a few moments with him.
Our prayers are that God will give you peace. God bless you
Bro Stacey and Sis Carolyn Light
Mary Lou and Family,
You know your loss is heaven’s gain and your dad has received his glorified body!! He was a wonderful man that I will always remember conversations we had in the PTA room when I met him. He loved the Lord and loved sharing Him with everyone…. one of a kind and he loved you Mary Lou!!
Love you Mary Lou!
Catherine Hoeveler
My husband, Donald (who has passed away), & I had known Bro. Harold for many years and he & Bernice have always been such a wonderful couple. They both possesseed the qualities & virtues that our Lord has instructed each of us to have & convey.
My sincere condolences to the family on the passing of your father. May God give you the comfort and peace that only He is able to give at this time.
Sorry we can not make it for the services, our love thoughts and prayers are with the family of our beloved brother in Christ.
Brother Ralph and Sister Nancy Cartino
Liberty Branch Ohio