George A. Burhoff

George Andrew Burhoff – May 26, 1928 to June 25, 2022
Beloved husband of the late Clara Burhoff (nee Oestreicher). Dear brother of Alberta Burhoff and Marry Sullivan. Loving father of George J. (Irene) Burhoff, Ronald Burhoff, Kathleen (Dennis) Umberg, David Burhoff and Lisa Burhoff. Cherished grandfather of Jason (Katie) Umberg, Bryan (Stefanie) Umberg, Kurtis Umberg, and George "Jake" Burhoff. Proud great-grandfather, known as Grandpa Bowtie, to Jason "Drew" and Elsbeth Umberg and Emilee, Matthew, and Kelly Umberg. Preceded in death by his parents, four siblings and one great granddaughter. George passed away June 25, 2022 surrounded by his children at the age of 94.
George and Clara met at a dance and would date for a little over a year before being married on October 15, 1955. They lived in Fairmount, next to St. Leo's Church and later moved their family to the city of Cheviot where he would spend much of his life, giving much of his time and energy.
George led a life of service beginning at a young age as a scout leader in St. Leo's Parish. Over the years he would be connected to a number of faith and civil organizations. George was an active member of the Cheviot Republicans Club, running for local office in the 1990's. As a member of the St. Leo (Fairmont), Our Lady of Presentation (English Woods), St. Martin (Cheviot) and St. Ignatius (Mt. Airy) parishes, George was actively engaged in leadership and service. In his early years he would transport the sisters from St. Leo's convent to Our Lady of Presentation in English Woods before work and bring them back to the convent in the evening. On Sundays, he drove the bus to pick up parishioners who did not have transportation and took them to Our Lady of Presentation Church. In the 1970's, George picked up donations for St. Leo's Thrift Shop. George helped Fr. De Francisco, pastor of Our Lady of Presentation, with repairs around the church for approximately 10 years. Once in Cheviot, George helped transport the parish's sisters to various appointments as well as the Sisters of Notre Dame Mother House in Covington, Kentucky. He volunteered for the Sisters of Notre Dame for their two major fundraisers, including the famous 4th of July Festival. George also would pick up library materials for the school. For many years, George took the lead at St. Ignatius Church unlocking the doors on Sunday morning and greeting/ushering for the weekly 6:30am Mass.
At various times in his life, George was active as a member of cast and crew with the St. John Passion Play. He played various roles and introduced his children to the production in their early years. Later in life, George became re-engaged with the Passion Play as he introduced his grandsons to the production where they would participate for 20+ years. Throughout his participation in The Play, George was known as a great fundraiser bringing in advertisements for the annual program. Most recently, George served as an usher for the production. George gave a total of more than 50 years of his life in service to the St. John Passion Play. While an employee of the Hamilton County Court House, in security and later in the clerk's office for over 30 years, George continued to serve as a tour guide for the children who visited.
The courthouse is where one of his most well-known and most cherished passions was born. As school's brought their children to the Court House, George would play the role of Santa Claus. He would also arrive in costume early in the morning to wake children at the local orphanages, giving them a glimmer of hope on Christmas morning. Bringing the role back to his long-time home in Cheviot, George was the official Santa Clause for the City of Cheviot for more than four decades, walking the streets of Cheviot passing out candy canes to all of the area children. He played Santa for many other organizations as well.
George joined the Knights of Columbus in 2002, and became a fourth degree member in 2003. George was a very active member of the KofC color guard into his 80's.
George, and his family, felt the impact of Neurofibromatosis. To help fund research for the genetic disorder that impacted his family, George for many years sold pull-tab tickets, specifically hosting a booth at the Harvest Home Fair for many years, and selling the tickets to patrons in line at the WEBN/Dent School House Haunted Houses for years.
George's family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at the Neidhard-Minges Funeral Home 3155 Harrison Ave., Westwood. Funeral mass will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at St. Ignatius Church 5222 North Bend Road. The rite of Christian Burial will follow at St. Joseph New Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Neurofibromatosis Network.