John Peter Burtyk

Burtyk "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." ~ President Ronald Wilson Reagan. Gunnery Sergeant John Peter Burtyk, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, died on December 3, 2015 of heart-failure after receiving several months of home hospice care. He courageously fought through many health problems; including diabetes and partial-paralysis. John was born on April 13, 1938 to the late John Burtyk of the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria (modern-day Ukraine), and Anna Burtyk (Podhiny) of Bayonne, New Jersey. He was part of the large Ukrainian community in Philadelphia. His life was filled with pain beginning with the passing of his mother just 3 days after his birth. One fond childhood memory was when he and his friends would toss coins at the Liberty Bell to make it ring whenever the Independence Hall tour guides would say, "The Liberty Bell was last rung for George Washington's birthday in 1846." After being moved from relative to relative as a youth, John found a gratifying escape in the United States Navy where he translated for the captains of Russian ships traveling through the Panama Canal. He then served two tours in the Vietnam War with his second family: the United States Marine Corps. Like most Vietnam Vets, John did not speak much about his years "in-country." He did mention with a smile how exhaustion allowed him to sleep through a mortar attack, as shrapnel flattened his air mattress. He also spoke about a refreshing moment of kindness in-between battles when he gave a disfigured Vietnamese boy harmless pieces of C-4 to chew on when he ran out of bubble gum. Gunny John retired from the Corps in 1975, and was a Supply Administrator for the Department of Defense in Columbus, Ohio until 2007. John's life was blessed with his marriage to Judy Carol Peterson on October 12, 1963. In addition to his wife, John is survived by two sons, John Paul Burtyk, Kevin Timothy Burtyk; his grandson, Brandon Lee Burtyk; and several nieces, nephews and in-laws. Love and support from VITAS Healthcare, family and friends was greatly appreciated. Private graveside services will be held at Franklin Hills Memory Garden in Canal Winchester, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, please consider helping his wife and "disabled adult child" through their major financial transition by donating at www.kevin67.net. Arrangements entrusted to OHIO CREMATION MEMORIAL SOCIETY/RODMAN-SNYDER MEMORIAL CENTER.