Joseph Ross Burkhart

Joseph Ross Burkhart, born January 16, 1928, in Erie, Pennsylvania, entered eternal life on March 25, 2026. He was the son of Ross J. Burkhart and Catherine B. Burkhart (née Quinn) and a proud descendant of the Lord family, who arrived in America in 1632.

Joe attended Perry and Sacred Heart for elementary school and graduated from Cathedral Preparatory High School in Erie, where he formed many of the lifelong friendships he cherished throughout his life. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably in World War II as a member of the 302nd Reconnaissance Unit, a division of the First Cavalry.

After his military service, Joe returned to Erie and enrolled at Gannon University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. Near the end of his college years, while reading the local newspaper, he noticed the engagement announcement of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He thought, "That woman isn't marrying that guy, she's marrying me". He approached Nancy Ann Wingerter at a dance days later. His charm won her over, beginning a remarkable love story and a marriage that would last an extraordinary 72 years.

Joe was a devoted father to three children: Pamela Ann (the late James) Rozanski, Joseph Matthew "Matt" (Elisa) Burkhart, and Elizabeth "Bess" Catherine (Anthony) Paradiso. He is survived by eight grandchildren-Brittany (Daniel) Murphy, Kayla Rozanski, Lauren (Carl) Welti, Connor (Emily) Burkhart, Nancy Rozanski, Bailey Paradiso, Joseph Paradiso, and Duncan Paradiso-and seven great grandchildren: Caiden Rozanski, Jacob Rozanski, Bridget Murphy, Patrick Murphy, Wilhelmina "Willa" Welti, Hazel Welti, and a soon to arrive Baby Burkhart. He was the dear brother of John Paul "Scorchy" (Mary Lou) Burkhart and was preceded in death by Patricia (Frank) White.

After graduating from Gannon, Joe began his career as a cost engineer with the Injection Molding Plastics Division of the Erie Resistor Corporation-one of the nation's earliest plastic injection molding companies. His talent and dedication led him from cost engineering to sales engineering, developing applications throughout Western New York before being transferred to Louisville, Kentucky, to support the appliance industry.

When Erie Resistor sold the plastics division to entrepreneur Fred Richardson of Bloomfield Hills, Joe was invited to join the newly formed Rich Wing Corporation. Recognizing the emerging importance of plastics in the automotive industry, Joe moved his family to Birmingham, Michigan, where he played a key role in launching numerous plastic components used in Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors vehicles. He later founded the Joseph R. Burkhart Corporation, a manufacturer's representative agency serving the automotive industry.

Joe and Nancy were deeply devoted to their Catholic faith. They were longtime parishioners of Queen of Martyrs in Birmingham and later St. Hugo of the Hills, where they served as dedicated volunteers and past members of the Board of Directors.

Among their many passions, Joe and Nancy especially loved boating. They spent countless days exploring the Great Lakes aboard the "Nan Sea" and built treasured friendships as members of the Clinton River Boat Club. As their children grew and life changed, they shifted their focus to world travel as members of the Nomads. Winters were joyfully spent in Marco Island, Florida, where they enjoyed rich friendships at South Seas, the Marco Island Country Club, and the Marco Island Yacht Club.

With boating behind them, Joe embraced a variety of hobbies. He delighted in driving his Studebaker Avanti in the Woodward Dream Cruise-often with a grandson by his side-and enthusiastically sharing that it was "the fastest production car of its time." Though he modestly claimed not to be the best golfer, he loved the game and was a founding member of Great Oaks Country Club in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

Throughout his life, Joe had a rare gift for forming deep, lasting friendships and bringing joy to those around him. Above all, he believed nothing mattered more than family and friends. He treasured every moment spent with his parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the many dear friends who enriched his life. He lived with gratitude, humor, and a generous spirit-always striving to make each moment meaningful and memorable.

A Funeral Mass in Joe's honor will be held at 10:00 on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic Church - Stone Chapel (2215 Opdyke Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI). Visitation prior begins at the church at 9:30AM.