Gary M. Burkard

Gary M. Burkard, 71, of Saylorsburg, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Gary was born on November 8, 1954, in Brooklyn, NY, the beloved son of Lucille (Hyland) Burkard of Staten Island, NY, and the late John Burkard.

He was the loving and devoted husband of Diana (Palacios) Burkard. Together, they shared a life rooted in faith, love, and partnership, and would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary on June 25th. Gary was an active and faithful member of Cornerstone Community Church in Kunkletown, PA, where his quiet strength, humility, and kindness were deeply felt by all who knew him.

Professionally, Gary dedicated many years to his work. He served as a Director of a Belt Company in Jersey City, NJ for 20 years, later worked in Quality Control for J.C. Penney in Allentown, PA, and then worked as a Manager for Lincoln Textiles in Nazareth, PA. He was a proud graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, earning a Bachelor's Degree in English and Law.

Gary was the kind of man whose presence was steady and reassuring-warm, generous, witty, and endlessly loving. He was a devoted husband, cherished son, and brother, and a deeply proud father and grandfather. His life was rooted in kindness, faith, loyalty, and connection to his family and community.

He gave selflessly of his time, serving as President and volunteer EMS member of the Coolbaugh Township Ambulance Corps. When his daughters were young, Gary could always be found on the sidelines as coach in various sports or as their number one fan. As his grandchildren grew and began to play sports he proudly did the same.

Gary found joy in golfing, boating, fishing, and aviation, and especially loved attending air shows with his family and sharing that passion with his grandchildren. In quieter moments, he enjoyed reading, writing, playing guitar, and indulging his love of history. A devoted sports fan, he never missed an opportunity to watch baseball, basketball, or football. He was proudly the president of the Palacios Brothers' fan club from the moment they picked up a baseball.

Music held a special place in Gary's heart. He leaves behind a legacy of time well spent, stories shared, laughter, music, and unshakable family bonds. Everyone who knew him has a song that reminds them of him.

While Gary will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now fully healed, restored, and rejoicing in the presence of the Lord, free from pain and embraced by God's eternal peace.

Gary will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Diana Burkard of Saylorsburg, PA; his mother, Lucille Burkard of Staten Island, NY; and his daughters: Cynthia Piccini and her husband Christopher of Center Valley, PA; Melissa Burkard and her companion Ray of Myrtle Beach, SC; Katherine Gross and her husband Richard III of Saylorsburg, PA; and Anita Alnaham and her husband Issam of Blakeslee, PA.

He was a proud and loving grandfather to Richard Gross IV, Catalina Piccini, Wyatt Gross, Lucille Gross, Viviana Alnaham, and Aydin Alnaham.

Gary is also survived by his siblings: Jack Burkard and his wife Regina of Virginia Beach, VA; Edward Burkard and his wife Rosie of Queens, NY; Lori Ann Burkard of Staten Island, NY; and William Burkard of Oyster Bay, NY, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and godchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Burkard and Richard Burkard.

Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Cornerstone Community Church 388 Polk township rd. in Kresgeville, PA, with Pastor Stuart Szmaciasz officiating.

Family and friends are welcome to offer condolences and visitation from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, with the service beginning at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Gary's memory to Parkinson's research, honoring his strength, perseverance, and hope for healing for others.

American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306. To give online- https://give.michaeljfox.org/donate choose in memory of someone and type Gary Burkard.