Robert H. "Bob" Burkhart

Robert "Bob" Henry Burkhart, 82, of Nelliston, NY passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 16, 2025. Bob lived a full life and was loved by so many.

Bob was born in the Amsterdam City Hospital on July 9th, 1943. He lived with his parents on the family farm on Burkhart Road in Canajoharie, NY and attended the Marshville Country School and then the original Canajoharie High School where he graduated in the class of 1961. Because Bob's father passed away when Bob was only 14 years old and he was an only child, immediately following high school graduation Bob had to go to work. He worked several jobs, farming with Ralph McEwan, Palatine Dye and Beechnut until he found his calling and began working for Agway (Suburban Propane) in Fort Plain where he became certified to deliver propane. In addition, Bob was a driver trainer for 15+ years. He enjoyed this career from May of 1968 until his full retirement in February of 2007. This career provided Bob with the opportunity to meet several people and learn where everyone lived. Until his passing, you could give Bob a name, and he could tell you what that person did for a living and where they lived. Everyone enjoyed listening to the stories he told.

To help support his family, Bob took on many side jobs which include caretaker at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Fordsbush, NY (17+ years), he worked the tractor pull at the Fonda Fair (25+ years) and was caretaker of the poultry barn at the Fonda Fair (15+ years).

Bob married Gail C. Casler on May 8th, 1970. They shared their life together on Rock Street in Canajoharie, Valley Brook and then moved to Lighthall Road, Fort Plain where he and Gail raised their children. They lived there for 24 years. While on Lighthall Road, Bob raised over 300 rabbits over a 15-year period that he would sell at auction. They moved from Lighthall Road to Nelliston, NY in 1994 when Bob won $20,000 in a raffle sponsored by the West Winfield Fire Department.

Bob's greatest passions were hunting, playing cards at Charlie's garage, camping and the Canajoharie-Fort Plain Elk's Lodge where he was a member since 1984 and where Bob was sure to be found in his favorite chair enjoying a Genny beer and reminiscing about the good old days. Bob earned status as a "Life Member" and was named Elk of the Year in 2020. He held the offices of Esquire, Lecturing Night, Loyal Night, Chaplin, and Inner Guard. He was also the Mother's Day chair for several years. At one point in time, Bob was also a member of the Mid-Valley CB Club (10 years), Osquago Grange (10 years), VFW Men's Auxiliary (10 years), and Mountain Man Hunting Club (10 years).

Bob has enjoyed camping since 1982. He and Gail parked their camper at Mohawk Campgrounds, Ringwood Campgrounds, and currently at Belvedere Lake Resort Campgrounds. He enjoyed weekends at camp spending time with his camp families and his daughter, granddaughter, and great granddaughter who are camped right next to him. He will surely be missed.

Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gail C. Casler, his children, William Burkhart, CAPT (Ret) Paul (Michele) Burkhart, Colleen (Russell) Hurteau, Kenneth (Denice Harris) Burkhart, and Brian Burkhart, a Cousin Clara Cappallo, a brother-in-law Varnum Casler and sister in-laws Yvonne Nestle and Earlene Casler. Bob is also survived by his grandchildren LCDR/Dr Allyson (Dr Max) DeNora, LT Zachary (Carrie) Burkhart, Joshua (Heather) Introne, Alyssa (Jeremy) Meher, Amanda (Carl) Hurteau, Joseph Burkhart, SSG Cody (Alisha) Burkhart, Keith (Amy) Burkhart, and Abigail "Abby" (Kai) Hillock, and although not blood but they still considered him their grandpa, Riley and Danika Battisti. Bob was also blessed with several great grandchildren, Jayce Burkhart, Zoey Burkhart, Jude Burkhart, Julian DeNora, Carl Reese III, Cassidee Reese, Dacianna Meher, Logan Introne, Audrey Burkhart, Gerald Burkhart, Adeline Burkhart, Ashton Burkhart and Heidi Burkhart and a granddaughter-in-law Ashley Dooley Burkhart. Bob is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Bob is predeceased by his parents Henry Burkhart and Mabel Marriott. He is also predeceased by his in-laws, Gerald Casler and Ada Shults Casler, brothers-in-law Bruce Casler, Craig Stevens, Victor Nestle, and Laverne Casler and sister-in-law Linda Stevens. Over the past few years Bob has watched several of his friends pass away but he was especially hurt by the loss of his good friends Kevin Yost, Charlie Countryman, Thomas Parsons, and Loren & Beth Fassett. The stories they are sharing now!

The family will be accepting friends and family on Sunday, December 21st from noon until 2PM at the Canajoharie-Fort Plain Elks Lodge. At 2PM a service will be held and immediately following the service a celebration of life will take place.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Robert's memory to the Canajoharie-Fort Plain Elks Lodge, Old Station Road, Fort Plain, the Fort Plain Volunteer Fire Department, Canal Street, Fort Plain or to a veteran organization of your choice.

May his memory live on forever!