Thomas Burkhardt Jr.

1938 - 2018

Thomas R. Burkhardt, Jr. 79, of Bethlehem, died Sunday January 21st, 2018. He was the husband of the late Sandra (Abbott) who died May 13, 2016. Born in Bethlehem on November 5, 1938, he was a son of the late Thomas R. and Marian (Baum) Burkhardt. A 1957 graduate of Liberty High School. A member of Bethany U.C.C. Thomas was employed at the First National Bank of Bethlehem until 1964, then he worked in the Rod and Wire Sales Department at the former Bethlehem Steel until retiring in 1986. There after he was employed as a security guard at (Alpo) - Nestle Purina until he retired in 2012. He was a past trustee of F.O.E. 284. He had an avocation for playing Santa Claus notably at the Westgate Mall and for family and friends. He was active with the Boy Scouts of America and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award. An assistant Girl Scout Leader while his daughters were in the organization, and an Indian Guide with his son at the YMCA. Thomas was a reinactor on the southern side of the War Between the States. He made many trips and many friends during his reinacting days while participating with The Sons of The Confederate Veterans and also living history at the Rupp House on Trips to Gettysburg, PA. Survivors: Daughters; Sharon Smith and companion Steven Laros, Susan wife of Richard J. Ehret, Jr. Son: Thomas R. Burkhardt III, Sister in law Eileen Burkhardt. 2 grand daughters :Nicole, Krystina, 2 great granddaughters Skyla, Leah. He was preceded in death by brothers William and David Services 11:am Saturday January 27,2018 at Boyko Funeral Home 855 Lehigh Street Allentown. Call 10:00am until time of service