Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Burczyk Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Burczyk
Nicole Burczyk
January 14, 2010
(After several requests, here's the eulogy I wrote and read at my Grandfather's funeral on 1-19-09.)
How can I possibly describe in words what my Grandfather, my “Dad”, meant to me? I call him my Dad, because that’s the role that he took since the day I was born, as I’ve only seen my biological father twice… as far as I can remember. As most of you are aware, I had 3 parents growing up, 3 people that shaped my life, 3 people who raised me… My Mom, my Grandmother, and my Grandfather.
Did he know how special he was to me, how special he was to our whole family and everyone that knew and loved him?
We all know Bill Burczyk in our own special way. Whether it was as a father, a Grandfather, Billy Romans - the musician, a successful business man, a strong and courageous Marine, a friend, or in my Grandmother’s case… a husband… We all have our own individual memories with him. I’ve always thought that it takes so long to make memories, but only seconds to recall them. I find myself being flooded with memories all at once. Just like water flowing through a dam, it’s feels as if the levee is going to break. It’s hard to process and quite overwhelming.
I remember him playing his accordion and lighting up the entire room with his smile and incredible talent. Him and Grandma would take me to all of his playing jobs growing up, all of the parties. I would fall asleep on her lap while he was playing at Schmidt’s and closing the place with his music. I remember singing my first song with him, “How Much Is That Doggie In The Window.” at the age of 4. Eventually I progressed to “The Glory of Love” and other standards, and sang from time to time well into my teens. How I wish I wouldn’t have ever stopped singing with him, but you know how self-absorbed teenages can be. I remember him and Grandma getting reading to take me to Milano’s, the Lawrence Welk show would be playing and I’d smell their perfumes and colognes meeting. I knew I was in store for a fun night out of dancing with them and all of their friends. I remember him always playing “Twilight Time” for me whenever I’d show up to one of his playing jobs, and he’d say with a smile, “Can you believe this is my Granddaughter’s favorite song, and she’s only 10, 15, 20, 25?” I remember him teaching me how to ride my first bike. I kept looking back to make sure he wasn’t letting go of the seat as I peddled along the sidewalk in front of the house we just passed moments ago. His paradise as he called it! From preschool to present, I remember him always coming to see me perform in different shows… Whether it was a choir recital, a school play, even my belly dancing shows last year… He supported me in everything I did and encouraged me! I remember making him Father’s Day gifts in school because well, he was my only Dad! I remember him always coming to my rescue when I was in need. Whether it was a ride when my car broke down in a snowstorm and I was stranded, or a hug that I needed so bad no matter what time it was, or someone to come to my defense when I was being picked on… he was always there!!! I knew I could count on him!
And at the age of 15, my brother Blake was born. When he entered our lives, my grandparents embraced him as much as they did me.
Enough about my memories! Who was my grandfather? Keeping in mind what I said earlier about each one of us having known him in a different light. What was a common factor as far as who he was as a person? What did we all see in him or remember him being? Not just what he did or accomplished in his lifetime, but who he really was on the inside.
First and foremost, he was loving and self-less. He and my grandmother are the definition of what marriage should be. They had their hard-times as all couples face, but they respected each other, they loved each other, and after 55 years of marriage… They were still “in love”. When I say this, I mean, they didn’t just love each other, they were still crazy about each other… and everyone could see it! They complimented each other, they brought out the best in each other. They didn’t just talk the talk, they walked the walk. Grandpa always said, “Don’t tell me, show me!” And boy, did they show us!!! We all saw how marriage is supposed to be Grandpa! You adored Grandma till your very last breath.
You know, the morning Grandpa passed from this life to the next, he came downstairs into the kitchen a little before 7am to get half of the newspaper from Grandma. He stopped at the foot of the stairs on his way back up, turned around, walked up to grandma, gave her a kiss and walked back upstairs. That was the last thing he did in his life! Although no words were spoken, they didn’t need to be! 15 minutes later she went up to take him the other half of the paper, and his light was off. She realized he wasn’t reading. He was staring at the doorway where Grandma would walk in, tears in his eyes, she said “It was as if he was waiting on her to come to him”… He had a faint heartbeat, and Grandma tried with every ounce of strength to keep him going, to keep him with us, but God wanted him home. I wonder if he knew that would be their last kiss?
My grandfather was also a very religious man. A devout Catholic, he always admitted he wasn’t perfect, that no one is. We all make mistakes, and that’s what God and church is there for. Not for the perfect or pure, but for the sinners. He tried desperately to teach his family about God, values, and faith! He attended church faithfully, often times daily, and he wasn’t just Catholic one hour a week on a Sunday. He lived his faith! One of his wishes he often told me was that we’d all start going back to church and to go to confession. He always stressed that we can’t go through life’s obstacles alone, we need God to get through it! Be thankful to God during the good times, and be humble and prayerful in the rough times.
Grandpa was a strong, yet gentle man. He was strong physically and emotionally. He was proud to serve in the US Marine Corps. He was an example of honor, courage, and commitment. He was tough, and at 77 years old, he could’ve still stood toe-to-toe with someone if he absolutely had to. He always was positive, successful, determined, and driven. He never, ever complained about not feeling good! If he was sick or injured… he’d always say “Offer it up to the poor souls in purgatory.”
Everything he did… musically, professionally, and personally… he excelled in and raised the bar for others. Grandpa had a lot of opinions, sometimes he’d give them to you even if you didn’t ask… But over the past several years, he’s kind of taken a few steps back and just quietly watched his family shape their lives without interfering. He figured that he did all he could to instill values into his children and grandchildren, and he knew that we’d either utilize what he taught us, or we wouldn’t. He knew we each had our own lives to lead, and even if we royally screwed them up, he was there for us, no questions asked. He never turned his back on any of us! His door was always open, we just had to walk through it.
My grandfather was also humble. He had so many experiences and adventures in OH, CA, WI, and DC, you name it, he had done it! He met and knew so many people, even celebrities, but he was always genuine and sincere. He never bragged, boasted, or acted like he was better than anyone else! He didn’t go out of his way to impress people, his natural charm just welcomed you into his presence.
His faith in God, his family, and the accordion were his life! Whether you saw him everyday, or you didn’t see him for years at a time… He loved each and every one of you! He appreciated what each of you had added to his life, and not a day went by that he didn’t pray or think of you.
I have to say that his passing saved me, literally, and in more ways than you could ever imagine! It taught me something sacred and it’s filled me with the most amazing strength I never knew I had in me. The switch that’s been turned on in me is completely indescribable. I see more clearly and it’s sad that it took my Grandfather’s death to realize what he was trying to tell me all along! I now realize as big-hearted as I am, as giving as I am… I’ve also been quite selfish a few times and pitied myself a little too much, not realizing how it affected the people that love me. I realize that in the grand scheme of things, losing jobs, losing lovers, losing apartments, and so on… It really doesn’t matter! You can get all of that back with enough determination and focus. It may not be easy, but, it’s possible! The only thing final in this lifetime is death.
Look at what is important in your life… It’s not the material things that matter, it’s the people in your life… The people that you love! Even if you lose everything, you still have your loved ones and their support, and your faith! So often we go through the motions of life and never really stop to appreciate who we have in it. Sitting along the sidelines rooting us on! Thank them, tell them that you love them, and what they mean to you! None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, so never put off what you can do today! I would have wrapped my arms around my Grandpa a little longer than I did before I left my grandparents house the Sunday before he died. I would have talked to him a little bit longer, I would have told him I loved him a few more times, but I didn’t know… And we never do! So cherish what is important in your life, and try to have faith that everything will turn out beautifully… Worry doesn’t do anything for you, it’s simply a waste of time! I know this now!
Today is my Grandfather’s birthday, he would have been 78. The best gift that we can give to him is to not just hear, but actually listen and apply to our lives what he tried to teach us over his lifetime. Thank you so much Grandpa for all that you’ve ever done for me and everyone who’s life you’ve ever touched! I know you’re with us in spirit and you’re going to be watching us from above.
As for me, I’m not just going to tell you how you’ve changed my life, I’m going to show you, and I’m going to make you very proud!!! I love you with all of my heart Dad!
Nicole Burczyk
January 14, 2010
(After several requests for me to post this... Here it is! This is the eulogy I wrote and read at Grandpa's funeral on January 19th, 2009.)
How can I possibly describe in words what my Grandfather, my “Dad”, meant to me? I call him my Dad, because that’s the role that he took since the day I was born, as I’ve only seen my biological father twice… as far as I can remember. As most of you are aware, I had 3 parents growing up, 3 people that shaped my life, 3 people who raised me… My Mom, my Grandmother, and my Grandfather.
Did he know how special he was to me, how special he was to our whole family and everyone that knew and loved him?
We all know Bill Burczyk in our own special way. Whether it was as a father, a Grandfather, Billy Romans - the musician, a successful business man, a strong and courageous Marine, a friend, or in my Grandmother’s case… a husband… We all have our own individual memories with him. I’ve always thought that it takes so long to make memories, but only seconds to recall them. I find myself being flooded with memories all at once. Just like water flowing through a dam, it’s feels as if the levee is going to break. It’s hard to process and quite overwhelming.
I remember him playing his accordion and lighting up the entire room with his smile and incredible talent. Him and Grandma would take me to all of his playing jobs growing up, all of the parties. I would fall asleep on her lap while he was playing at Schmidt’s and closing the place with his music. I remember singing my first song with him, “How Much Is That Doggie In The Window.” at the age of 4. Eventually I progressed to “The Glory of Love” and other standards, and sang from time to time well into my teens. How I wish I wouldn’t have ever stopped singing with him, but you know how self-absorbed teenages can be. I remember him and Grandma getting reading to take me to Milano’s, the Lawrence Welk show would be playing and I’d smell their perfumes and colognes meeting. I knew I was in store for a fun night out of dancing with them and all of their friends. I remember him always playing “Twilight Time” for me whenever I’d show up to one of his playing jobs, and he’d say with a smile, “Can you believe this is my Granddaughter’s favorite song, and she’s only 10, 15, 20, 25?” I remember him teaching me how to ride my first bike. I kept looking back to make sure he wasn’t letting go of the seat as I peddled along the sidewalk in front of the house we just passed moments ago. His paradise as he called it! From preschool to present, I remember him always coming to see me perform in different shows… Whether it was a choir recital, a school play, even my belly dancing shows last year… He supported me in everything I did and encouraged me! I remember making him Father’s Day gifts in school because well, he was my only Dad! I remember him always coming to my rescue when I was in need. Whether it was a ride when my car broke down in a snowstorm and I was stranded, or a hug that I needed so bad no matter what time it was, or someone to come to my defense when I was being picked on… he was always there!!! I knew I could count on him!
And at the age of 15, my brother Blake was born. When he entered our lives, my grandparents embraced him as much as they did me.
Enough about my memories! Who was my grandfather? Keeping in mind what I said earlier about each one of us having known him in a different light. What was a common factor as far as who he was as a person? What did we all see in him or remember him being? Not just what he did or accomplished in his lifetime, but who he really was on the inside.
First and foremost, he was loving and self-less. He and my grandmother are the definition of what marriage should be. They had their hard-times as all couples face, but they respected each other, they loved each other, and after 55 years of marriage… They were still “in love”. When I say this, I mean, they didn’t just love each other, they were still crazy about each other… and everyone could see it! They complimented each other, they brought out the best in each other. They didn’t just talk the talk, they walked the walk. Grandpa always said, “Don’t tell me, show me!” And boy, did they show us!!! We all saw how marriage is supposed to be Grandpa! You adored Grandma till your very last breath.
You know, the morning Grandpa passed from this life to the next, he came downstairs into the kitchen a little before 7am to get half of the newspaper from Grandma. He stopped at the foot of the stairs on his way back up, turned around, walked up to grandma, gave her a kiss and walked back upstairs. That was the last thing he did in his life! Although no words were spoken, they didn’t need to be! 15 minutes later she went up to take him the other half of the paper, and his light was off. She realized he wasn’t reading. He was staring at the doorway where Grandma would walk in, tears in his eyes, she said “It was as if he was waiting on her to come to him”… He had a faint heartbeat, and Grandma tried with every ounce of strength to keep him going, to keep him with us, but God wanted him home. I wonder if he knew that would be their last kiss?
My grandfather was also a very religious man. A devout Catholic, he always admitted he wasn’t perfect, that no one is. We all make mistakes, and that’s what God and church is there for. Not for the perfect or pure, but for the sinners. He tried desperately to teach his family about God, values, and faith! He attended church faithfully, often times daily, and he wasn’t just Catholic one hour a week on a Sunday. He lived his faith! One of his wishes he often told me was that we’d all start going back to church and to go to confession. He always stressed that we can’t go through life’s obstacles alone, we need God to get through it! Be thankful to God during the good times, and be humble and prayerful in the rough times.
Grandpa was a strong, yet gentle man. He was strong physically and emotionally. He was proud to serve in the US Marine Corps. He was an example of honor, courage, and commitment. He was tough, and at 77 years old, he could’ve still stood toe-to-toe with someone if he absolutely had to. He always was positive, successful, determined, and driven. He never, ever complained about not feeling good! If he was sick or injured… he’d always say “Offer it up to the poor souls in purgatory.”
Everything he did… musically, professionally, and personally… he excelled in and raised the bar for others. Grandpa had a lot of opinions, sometimes he’d give them to you even if you didn’t ask… But over the past several years, he’s kind of taken a few steps back and just quietly watched his family shape their lives without interfering. He figured that he did all he could to instill values into his children and grandchildren, and he knew that we’d either utilize what he taught us, or we wouldn’t. He knew we each had our own lives to lead, and even if we royally screwed them up, he was there for us, no questions asked. He never turned his back on any of us! His door was always open, we just had to walk through it.
My grandfather was also humble. He had so many experiences and adventures in OH, CA, WI, and DC, you name it, he had done it! He met and knew so many people, even celebrities, but he was always genuine and sincere. He never bragged, boasted, or acted like he was better than anyone else! He didn’t go out of his way to impress people, his natural charm just welcomed you into his presence.
His faith in God, his family, and the accordion were his life! Whether you saw him everyday, or you didn’t see him for years at a time… He loved each and every one of you! He appreciated what each of you had added to his life, and not a day went by that he didn’t pray or think of you.
I have to say that his passing saved me, literally, and in more ways than you could ever imagine! It taught me something sacred and it’s filled me with the most amazing strength I never knew I had in me. The switch that’s been turned on in me is completely indescribable. I see more clearly and it’s sad that it took my Grandfather’s death to realize what he was trying to tell me all along! I now realize as big-hearted as I am, as giving as I am… I’ve also been quite selfish a few times and pitied myself a little too much, not realizing how it affected the people that love me. I realize that in the grand scheme of things, losing jobs, losing lovers, losing apartments, and so on… It really doesn’t matter! You can get all of that back with enough determination and focus. It may not be easy, but, it’s possible! The only thing final in this lifetime is death.
Look at what is important in your life… It’s not the material things that matter, it’s the people in your life… The people that you love! Even if you lose everything, you still have your loved ones and their support, and your faith! So often we go through the motions of life and never really stop to appreciate who we have in it. Sitting along the sidelines rooting us on! Thank them, tell them that you love them, and what they mean to you! None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, so never put off what you can do today! I would have wrapped my arms around my Grandpa a little longer than I did before I left my grandparents house the Sunday before he died. I would have talked to him a little bit longer, I would have told him I loved him a few more times, but I didn’t know… And we never do! So cherish what is important in your life, and try to have faith that everything will turn out beautifully… Worry doesn’t do anything for you, it’s simply a waste of time! I know this now!
Today is my Grandfather’s birthday, he would have been 78. The best gift that we can give to him is to not just hear, but actually listen and apply to our lives what he tried to teach us over his lifetime. Thank you so much Grandpa for all that you’ve ever done for me and everyone who’s life you’ve ever touched! I know you’re with us in spirit and you’re going to be watching us from above.
As for me, I’m not just going to tell you how you’ve changed my life, I’m going to show you, and I’m going to make you very proud!!! I love you with all of my heart Dad!
Mark Burczyk
January 13, 2010
Well, it’s been a year since the passing of My Father, My Friend, and my band mate. I realize that in 72 hours this blog will be gone for forever. It will disappear into cyber space somewhere never to be seen or read again.
As I sit here looking at this computer screen I wonder if we have kept up with those wonderful feelings and wishes that this kind of pain brings into a family and there friends. I don’t think there has been a day that my father has not come into my head or heart even for an instant or a lingering moment, remembrance of an occasion or comment, maybe a look of wisdom he’d like to give, followed by that bright smile as if I should already know exactly what he was thinking or feeling.
He would want us all to continue to experience the inner feelings that we all shared in those moments of loss yet connecting us to those we care about and cherish. The hugs, the smiles, the tears that drove us to embrace what was, true pure feelings of caring and love.
I will say honestly, there have been a few (ok many) times I feel I have dropped the ball on this one. Life has a way of distracting us from what really truly matters. My father would say that what we freely are given is each other. We have many choices in life. But family is what counts. It rough, it’s tough, it’s sometimes unbearable but it also is kind, loving and understanding of our own plight. But in the end Family is what sits in the back yard remembering the moments of laughter, sadness, guidance and listening. I can not count the times I have referred to my father in a conversation, maybe a thought of him in a situation I maybe be going through, oh and man I tell you, when I have sang on stage, WOW. It is not the same. I feel I have lost something. We jelled so well on stage. I truly miss looking over knowing just where he was going, what key, what song, all without a word being spoken. There is this thing that happens while performing that you can not explain. But, when it’s gone oh wow you know it’s gone. I know we all have our moments of him, memories and thoughts that are so deep you can even attempt to put them into words. But if there is one thing I wish I could share with everyone, it’s that true connection I had with him while performing on stage with him. But alas, there’s one of those things that can not be put into words but is purely felt by me with every song, with every joke told on stage, with every song played by another that we may have enjoyed with every gig. He is there, so strong, so caring, so understanding of my need to grow musically. We shared something as did so many. So many of my family had that same kind of experience with him. It may not have been music, but it could have been, baseball or football, maybe him being there for them when time were bad, or really bad, having a deep conversation on religion or politics, or, Just sitting there watching everyone else talk argue of step on each others words trying to get a word in edgewise. He really was a man of many words. Not that he wished or wanted to force them on you. But he was there if you reached out. You may not have liked what he had to say but if you asked he’d tell you like it or not.
You know when a love one leaves us. We hear a lot of wonderful things about them. But it’s the things that you hear that give you the true essence of a person that you remember. I remember hearing a story about someone while we were all chatting at the hall that I heard about. I should say I knew the story, my dad told me, but I didn’t really realize or think about the true impact it had on that person. This person had been going through a really bad trying time in life. Yes they would have told you it was there choices that put them in the position they were in but non the less it was bad. Yes Dad had warned, and had his comments of direction, worried and at times was upset. But it was when that person was at there VERY lowest that without encouragement by them, a phone call, or anything, my father went to that person, arms out and willing to just be there. No, “I told you so”, “why didn’t you listen” “you should have done it this way” no. He was there to just hug a person and let them no he loved them and was there for them. That’s how he was. Most times anyway(laugh). He had his moments as well but I’d rather remember the real man behind the accordion. Remember his laughter, his joy, and oh and his wonderful music. What he truly gave us and how we carry it forward today. Do we let is slip away as so much melted snow leaving us with only a memory of its beauty or do we carry it in our heart and live it everyday.
Now comes the hard parts of a loved ones passing, my sweet and ever giving mother. Oh yes I should have fixed that fence LOL but there is this inner strength most people very few in fact ever really see. I look at Amy late at night while she is sleeping and wonder. The love I have for her in a relatively short time is so strong I wonder how the women my father so cherished can walk through all of this and be as beautiful and loving as she is. I mean there has got to be some inner thing, whatever it is that keeps a person going. I have a hard time remembering my friend and father. She lives in there home, drives his car, and listens to his music and yes. Sleeps in the same bed. WOW, only a person that has had there kind of live (and I mean an everyday together kind of love, live eat and breath the same air) I was with pop so many times on the road doing music with him and heard stories and felt his true undying love for her that I know she has to have that same blood running through her veins. With that said wow “you have to be a strong person”. It’s still hard for me to sit in the garage and have a smoke looking at his car. Its like he’s still there and going to come out and say “hey, Got a light” so for her its has to he hard. But I am sure he is right there with her helping her along and holding her hand.
For me I look at his life and relish him in moments like when I am with my brother Pete, how what my father was and had always been lives on through two men standing in a driveway just talking. And then that’s when I think of Justine, Marcus, Patrick, and Katy. How when they are older and have lives of there own. As distracted as they may get, maybe angry with each other or taken up by day to day life there wife and husbands and with there kids. I hope, pry, and wish they will be ABLE TO BE standing in a driveway “JUST TALKING”.
Thank you dad. for your heart, your music, your home, your smile, your memories.
Pry for us all, that we always remember each other, the love, the warmth, the promises and the caring we shared on this day one year ago today.
From all of us, WE LOVE and Miss you
May God bless you and keep you ALWAYS in his loving care.
MOM,PETE,MARY,JOHN,MARK,BLAKE,NICOLE,STEVE,AMY,INGA,JUSTINE,PATRICK,
MARCUS, KATY, SAM, , JENNIFER, DAMON etc
AND SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MANY OTHER FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT YOUR PERSENCE ON THIS EARTH TOUCHED AND BROUGHT JOY, LOVE, AND HAPPINESS.
Mark Burczyk
February 11, 2009
The Sound of His Music
his accordion amused, inspired and entertained,
With each single note, each melodic refrain.
his sound was distinct, romantic and charming,
Played at a whisper, and it was never alarming.
Stretch the bellows pop with the last of your might,
And the Heavens will open for a thunderous delight.
Let the keys be directed by your strong fingers in flight,
for you will now entertain the heavens with all your might
strap on your squeezebox and brace for the thrill,
The crowd that awaits you, is gonna love you, you know that they will.
" leave them on a HIGH note ", as you always did say,
so let it go pop and Play play play.
With excitement mounting, one choice will remain,
will it be "Tico-Tico polka", or the "Lady of Spain?
There has not been one day since my father has past, that there have not been many many occasions that he has not been right there whispering in my ear with a joke or a helpful comment. He is with me as the leader of the band as I drive drown the freeway remembering the times we drove to a gig, or as a father sitting in my back yard looking at the water, I remmbered us talking as we had a smoke and a Scotch. As my friends all drink Scotch it will he hard to NOT remember him "as my Frined" as they order " A tall scotch and water".
The times we shared, some difficult and mostly joyful, the one thing that will ALWAYS stand out will be his love as a husband, father, and Friend to so many people.
He Taught me so much about life in such a sutle way. How to be a friend, how to be as diplomatic as possiable, How to love.
But I do have to say. If there is one ( ok 2 ) things about my father that stands out the most, ( That I use everyday ) HIS SMILE, always his big smile, The other Is that the greatest gift God can bestow on us it to be able to marry, love, and share life with your best friend. If My parents did anything for me, It was to live that loving friendship everyday in my relationship.
Thank you Mom and Dad for your smiles, giggles, and heart warming time you spent together. Its a difficult, yet wonderful mark to shoot for.
With all my love to my father, (and my mother), for they we're "NEVER" one without the other.
as HARD as it is...
with one last Hug
and a (Light) "Luv Ya".
Goodbye My Friend.
I know you are never far from me.
Your Son, Your Friend.
Mark
Glen Wilson
January 24, 2009
To the "Bill Burczyk Family" This entry is belated, but sincere in remembrance of the many times we've made music together, and the pleasure of seeing family members arriving to join in the fun. - - -
Robert Rosploch
January 21, 2009
Hey Bill,
Your hands guided mine. Thanks. I forgot that besides the weight, you have to make the accordian breath. What a workout. How did you ever do it?
Love ya,
Bobby
Bobby Rosploch
January 21, 2009
To my brother Bill,
Brother-in-law has no meaning to me except in legal terms, just to show that my brother isn't married to my sister. In my mind and heart, you were my only brother. You gave me the strength to stand beside Chris, to help her deal with her greatest loss. As I sit her now, the day after I left Chris's side, I find myself reflecting on life. As you always knew and lived your life with my sister Chris, it is a seemingly short, yet sometimes hard, sometimes wonderful, journey. I believe everyone nedds and should take the time to reflect on their own journey, as your sons and probably most of did during this time. As tough as it may be for some of us to do that, I really believe it keeps your heart open, to experience love, patience, compassion, and all the virtues necessary to live life on God's Earth. I can hear you playing a song as I reflect on life & life's triumphs, trials, and tribulations. I can't attest to the spelling Bill, but I think it's Marialenna. I didn't know the names of most of the songs you played, but I always felt your fingers on the keys and the heart and soul you put into the music. As with many reflections there are good and sometimes not so good parts. One is of you, I, and dad and our sometimes explosive tempers. You did the best, I believe, with keeping yours in check. Anaother thought was, I wonder how many people know how heavy an instrument an accordian can be. You always made it seem as light as a feather. I love ya Bill and will miss your voice on the phone and most of all, being able to watch you play. I think I'm going to pick up the accordian that you gave me and play it now. Never as good as you, but just to sooth my heart and soul. See ya around someday Bill.
Love, Bobby
Nicole Burczyk
January 21, 2009
I really don't know what to say or how to start. I've written so many things over the past couple of days, even this obituary itself... and it effortlessly flowed straight from the heart. Yet, coming up with one final statement about my Grandfather (in my eyes, my Dad) is really hard. I still can't believe he's gone!!! Like my brother Blake, I feel like he's going to answer the phone when I call the house, or when I'm there, I feel like he's upstairs watching tv or outside having a smoke. It hasn't sunk in yet, I don't think!?! I do know one thing though, I am so blessed to have had my Grandfather as my Dad!!! He raised me and my brother, along with our Mother and Grandmother, and I am truly grateful for that! I couldn't have asked for a better Dad! He was so many things to so many people... a relative, a friend, a musician, a Marine, etc. He was the example of love, faith, forgiveness, support, strength, and loyalty! I will always hold the memories in my heart, and I will take the strength that he left me and apply it to my life the very best I can. I promise to make him proud, as I know he's watching from above, and when I need him, he'll be right by my side as he had always been throughout my life! One of your wishes came true Grandpa... family unity! We are pulling together like never before, and I know that you're looking down and smiling! I promise to take good care of Grandma, and to help her through this! I love you with all of my heart Grandpa!!! You are my true Dad, and I want to thank you for EVERYTHING that you've ever done for me and for the entire family! You will NEVER be forgotten and your legacy, the values you've instilled in each of us, and the love will live on FOREVER!!! -Love, Nicole xoxoxo
Jay Frazier
January 20, 2009
Dear John,just read about your dad I am truely sorry about his passing I know what your going thru as my dad died six weeks ago, same age as your father I remember all the times we talked about our dads and how you loved and admired him
Lisa Frew
January 20, 2009
Peter & Inge,
I was very sorry to hear about the passing of your father & father-in-law. He was a very pleasant and talented man. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
blake burczyk
January 20, 2009
I'm probabely going to write to much, or not right but... When I was born my parents were grandma, grandpa, and mom. And my whole life grandpa was there for me like a father, no matter what. If it was to help finding a answer for me in a book or giving me the little toys from the cereal box when I was younger. I going to miss hearing him cough upstairs or where ever he was, letting me know he was near by, and miss him playing the accordion while everyone would danced around. Although i didnt show it i enjoyed watching everyone being happy. There are no words to describe how I feel, I'm happy but sad at the same time. I just kind of wish I would have gone over more with mom when i had the chance. Having grandpa pass makes me think of how I started to take the family for granted, like everyone is going to be there forever, and thats not true they maybe somewhere waiting but their not with us and thats what I have realized and I'm not taking family for granted anymore. I'm very fortunate to live with such a good family. My grandfather was someone to look up to and he is my hero and ill try my best to make him proud. I'm sure I missed something. But everyone needs to hangin there, Especially grandma. I'm here if you ever need me like you always were for me.
love you grandpa,
blake
Alisa Pusateri
January 18, 2009
Mary & Family
I'm sorry for the loss of your Father.
I know how much you'd loved him. He is in peace now. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort & peace
Lynn Reese Poznanski
January 17, 2009
Dear Chris and all the family,
I was so sad to hear that Bill had passed away.
I remember in the summer time hearing the polka music down the street from my parents house. So, down the street we'd go and there would be Bill playing his accordion at the party.
I will always remember him as "Bill" the accordion man.
My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Love,
Lynn Reese
Greg & Eileen Fritz
January 17, 2009
Chris & family,
We are sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was quite a guy, Greg will truly miss playing drums with him.
We can only imagine the party going on up in heaven now with Grandma, Aunt Florence, Irene, Al, Uncle Dick, Ginny, Ruthie, Leo, and now Bill....what a dance there must be.
Peace to all of you. You are in our prayers.
The Greg Fritz Family
Colleen & Gus Sariotis
January 17, 2009
Dear Chris and the Burczyk Family. In the many years that we have known your family, it was evident to us that Bill & Chris were a wonderful and loving couple. We always enjoyed seeing them together, and Bill would always be smilling & upbeat. We had a great time at the Italian Festival when I (Colleen) got to sing with Bill & Mark. We have been friends with Pete, Inge, Mark, & John for many years, and we now send our deepest condolences to all the family! You will be in prayers at this time of sorrow! Love, Colleen & Gus
Margaret Baughman Guy
January 17, 2009
Inge & Peter: I am so very sorry about the loss of your father-in-law and father. You have my deepest sympathy.
Amy Williams
January 17, 2009
Dear Chris and your beautiful family, It has been an honor to know Bill. He has not only shared joy through his music but also instilled a humble, loving, quiet wisdom of the Power and Love of God in Justine, Patrick, Marcus, Katy and me. Our loving sympathy, Amy and faimily
Mark Burczyk
January 17, 2009
I wish to thank my Father for shareing so much wonderful music with me as well as all the other people we played for. He was and will always be my best friend. I will see him always in the music.
"DAD: May I always leave them on a high note" as you did. Love your son and band-mate, Mark
Frank J. Blau Jr.
January 17, 2009
My sincere condolences go out to the Burczyk family.
Bill and I met in the ring for the 135# boxing championship crown at Messmer High school in 1947. I was the lucky guy.
I will remember him always as a true sport, a gentleman and a friend.
God bless you Billy!!
Frank Blau
Jake Bame
January 16, 2009
Columbus just truly lost "A Mans Man"..God Bless!
Lorraine Hrovat
January 16, 2009
Dear Chris; My deepest Sympathy for the loss of Bill. Shocked is an understatement. My thoughts, love and heart are with you at this very difficult time. Love Lorraine (Campion) Hrovat
Serena Henderson
January 16, 2009
Peter & Inge,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
Joann Teresi
January 16, 2009
To Chris, Mark and all the family
We were so sad to read in the Dispatch about Bill's passing. Jim always enjoyed their gigs - and so did I. We also enjoyed our personal relationship with you. Our sympathy is with you at this sad time.
Jim and Joann Teresi
Yolanda & Gloria Friends at Work
January 16, 2009
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pamela Wellman
January 16, 2009
My deepest condolences to Chris and the family during this difficult time. Bill was a great man who was loved by many and considered a saint by those who knew him well. May God’s word be a comfort to you and your family in this time of grief:
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God: in him will I trust.” ~ Psalm 91:1-2
Amy Stumbo
January 16, 2009
Peter & Inge,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in William Burczyk's name
Memorial Events
for William Burczyk
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Burczyk's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
