WILLIAM W. BURKETTE III
1942 - 2018
WILLIAM W. BURKETTE III
1942 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1942
DIED
2018
WILLIAM BURKETTE Obituary
WILLIAM W., III
Age 75, formerly of Murrysville, on Thursday, March 1, 2018. Bill was raised in Turtle Creek. He was widely known as the lead singer of The Vogues and was best known for hits "Five O'Clock World" and "Turn Around, Look at Me". Bill was the beloved husband of Elaine M. Downing Burkette; loving father of Lori (Greg) Cinna, William W. (Julie) Burkette, IV, and Sheri (Scott) Good; and Pap of Brianna Mae and Holden William Burkette, and Nathan Good. Friends will be received Sunday, March 4, 2018 from 2-6 p.m. at the JOBE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC., corner of Shaw & Triboro Avenues, Turtle Creek (412-823-1950), followed by a funeral service at 6:00 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.
www.jobefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dr. Keith Smith
July 28, 2025
The Vogues have been friends for many, many years. We first saw them on Thanksgiving way back when they sang on one the paddle wheel boats on the Three Rivers. We still see them often today and enjoy their company. One of the finest Oldies Groups on tour yet. Bill was a wonderful lead singer and truly kind man. I always enjoyed chatting with him after a show. We followed them one year on a short tour through a few PA towns and another year on a short tour of some towns in OH. Whenever we´d see The Vogues I always made certain to thank Bill and tell him how grateful so many thousands of fans were that he was such a terrific lead singer for one of the world´s greatest oldies groups. Troy and Royce are friends of ours who continue to carry on the great tradition. May you Rest In Peace, Bill.
Christopher Barney
November 18, 2023
My first memory of Bill is listening to 'Turn Around, Look at Me' in the Summer of 1968. I subsequently heard all of their earlier hits and their newer ones, such as 'My Special Angel' and 'No, Not Much'. I didn't realize he had passed on until now. I loved the smoothness of their vocals. Sincere sympathy to the family.
Christopher Barney- Franklin WI
Vera Decker
March 30, 2021
Thank you for the wonderful music that I still listen to ....you will never be forgotten....rest in peace sir..
Linda Dettar
October 20, 2019
RIP Bill. Thank you for years of your singing with The Vogues and the memorable music. Will always love it. Your voice was one of a kind. Iconic. Timeless. Prayers to you and your family.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Rene' Molinaro - Taylor
July 16, 2018
Elaine and family,
I was looking online to get updates about The Vogues. I was shocked to see that Bill had passed. My dad (Gene) always spoke very highly of you and Bill. My thoughts and prays go out to you and your family. God Bless ~
Jeff Polles
May 17, 2018
I first saw the Vogues in Ohio in 1967 and they soon became my favorite group. I recently saw them in Frankenmuth Michigan and when talking to them after the show, found out that Bill was ill. I was going to find some way to wish him the best, but today while researching their website, I found that I was too late. I will forever regret that, for Bill and his Vogues have always been a big part of my life and musical memories. To his family, though, you do not know me, my sincere condolences. To Bill, thanks for See that Girl Turn Around look at me You're the One and the others as they led me back to the the one and she and I will always be big fans. Rest In Peace sir, and know what an impact you must have made on so many like me.
April 18, 2018
my sympathy to the burkette family from a fan in north tonawanda ny.I recently found out of the passing of Bill and had attended 2 concerts the last 3 years at the riviera theatre in north tonawanda ny . my favorite song of all times is turn around look at me. i will miss Bills lead singing. Bill I. nt ny
Mark Krassa
March 5, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Bill was a great singer. God Bless You in this difficult time.
Sally Panaia
March 5, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are for his family today. He was a very special person, I know he is in God's hands.
March 4, 2018
My name is Tom Zacoi and I am profoundly sorry for having missed today's service. I played bass guitar in 1968 when the regular bassist went into the service. Beyond having a tremendous voice, Bill was very welcoming when I joined the band. I want to express my sincere regrets to his family and hope all of you have good memories to cling to during this sad time.
HUGH O'DONNELL
March 4, 2018
Elaine and family my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I am sure you remember NICK CENCI he was a good friend of mine we both grew-up in BRENTWOOD,PA. When THE VOGUES sang at the P.A.A. in OAKLAND when I worked for PORKY CHEDWICK could your husband been in that group? They where SUPERB. May GOD shine his light on your sorrows.
HUGH "BABE" O'DONNELL
WEST MIFFLIN
Nick Izak
March 3, 2018
All of us were blessed to have Bill on this earth, both as members of his family and as fans of his wonderful singing as lead singer of The Vogues.
March 3, 2018
spirit so true
with happiness
March 3, 2018
Jane Lee Holmes
March 3, 2018
Sending genuine sympathy to all loved ones of William W. Burkette III who gave of himself to the world. People developed music appreciation, when they didn't know they had it in 'em. What a wonderful group; always remembered. God bless you, Bill, and keep you in His care.
March 3, 2018
My condolences to the family. May your fond memories bring you joy and comfort.
elaine berkowitz
March 3, 2018
Lori and family,
My sympathy on your loss.
May he Rest in Peace.
Elaine Berkowitz, DMD
andrew hartman
March 2, 2018
Elaine and family So sorry to hear about Bill.Still in Texas sorry I cannot make the funeral.You are all in my prayers. Tried to call you but your phone was disconnected.Andy
Dean Mastrangelo
March 2, 2018
My greatest memory with Bill and Hugh was on the stage of the Chicago theater. I played keyboards. After the 4 standing ovations from a crowd of 10,000 people. Geyer told me back stage, with a smirk"The Vogues were very popular in Chicago! They still are!
March 2, 2018
Saw you in AC a few years ago. You were wonderful. All of you were wonderful. I grew up with the Vogues. So sad of your passing. God is saying "turn around, look at me".
David Santschi
March 2, 2018
Always loved the Vogues and his voice. The world is a better place with his talent.
Roxann & Dutch Kokula
March 2, 2018
Deepest sympathy to family & friends. The Vogues was one of my favorite groups growing up as a teenager in Pgh. Prayers for peace & comfort in the days ahead.
March 2, 2018
Thanks for the Memories. Us "Creekers" will never forget you. Robert E. (Bobby "Z" ) Zischkau
Karwn
March 2, 2018
Thank you for the music of our youth that has endured time. Sympathy you the family at this time.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
118 Shaw Ave. P. O. Box 110, Turtle Creek, PA 15145
Make a Donation
in WILLIAM BURKETTE's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support WILLIAM's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor WILLIAM BURKETTE'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
