It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of David B. Burghardt, a beloved son, brother, and friend. David passed away unexpectedly in his home on August 2, 2025.
David was a life-long resident of Wallingford. He was a communicant of Holy Trinity Church and attended Holy Trinity School. He graduated from Lyman Hall High School in 1978, where he served as Lieutenant Governor, representing the Key Club and many other activities. David received a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of New Haven. He was employed by the Wallingford Public School System as an IT Technician for over 40 years and taught classes in his specialty.
David spent countless hours volunteering in Wallingford using his audio-visual expertise, including volunteering at Wallingford Public Access TV (WPAA-TV), of which he was one of the founding fathers.
David loved and cared deeply about his family and friends. His nieces and nephews were his greatest joy. He enjoyed sharing his love of music, travel, NYC, Theater, Disney, sports, AV, and adventure with them. David attended their games, recitals,
Special Olympics, graduations, concerts, and many other important events. He supported his family and friends in all endeavors.
David loved music from a young age. He taught himself to play piano and other instruments. He had a beautiful voice and could be found playing the piano and singing. He enjoyed all genres of music and was a fan of The Monkees, attending many of their conventions and performances. As an avid sports fan, he passionately supported the teams his family members played and coached and was a devoted Yankees fan.
David was known for his sense of humor and wit. He had a fantastic memory, especially with song lyrics and TV/movie trivia. He had a big heart and a gentle, compassionate soul. He found joy in making people laugh and had a unique way of entertaining others.
David is predeceased by his parents Charles and Gladys (Harvey) Burghardt, and brothers Chuck, Jimmy, and infant Ernie Burghardt.
He is survived by his siblings: George Burghardt (Lien). Marie Blakeslee (Dave), Robert Burghardt, Deborah Burghardt Vilardi (Ralph), and sister in law Susan Burghardt. Nieces and Nephews: Heather Blakeslee Fiore (Rocco), Marlena Burghardt, Davey Blakeslee Jr., Marie J. Burghardt, Michael Burghardt, Cindy Burghardt, Kenny Blakeslee (Heather), Jason Burghardt (Sandy), Christine Burghardt, Kristin Vilardi, Melissa Vilardi, Allison Vilardi; his great nieces and nephews: Darrian Davis (Casey), Isaiah Pressley, Olivia Burghardt, Madison Blakeslee, Xavier Pressley, Jacob Blakeslee, Joaquim Charles Cardoso, and Connor Burghardt; his great-great niece Alana Davis, along with many cousins and friends that thought of David as family!
David is greatly loved and missed by his family and friends. It is certain, as we reflect on the memories of David, that he will continue to make us laugh and smile. David has returned home to be with his loved ones in heaven...singing, laughing, and dancing!
Relatives and friends may greet the family on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 S. Elm Street, Wallingford. On Wednesday, friends and relatives may meet directly at Most Holy Trinity Church, 84 N. Colony Street, Wallingford, for his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery in Wallingford.
Memorial contributions may be made in David's memory to
Special Olympics Tri-Town, P.O. Box 588 Meriden, CT 06450 (
Special Olympics).
The B.C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford, Connecticut has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.BaileyCares.com. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of David, please visit our Tree Store.
Published by WFSB on Oct. 1, 2025.