William Gerard Burkett

William Gerard Burkett, age 66, of Westlake, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on April 24, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born January 2, 1959, in Cleveland, Ohio, Bill lived a life defined by love, devotion, and quiet strength.
A proud graduate of Miami University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bill spent much of his career as an aerospace engineer, a field that reflected his meticulous nature and passion for innovation. Most recently, he brought his expertise and dedication to his role at Consolidated Precision Products.
Bill was the beloved husband of Kathleen L. Burkett (née Drury), with whom he shared a marriage rooted in deep love and partnership. He was the devoted father of Erin E. Burkett (Brendan M. Morrell) and Maura K. Burkett, and the cherished grandfather of Ronan Burkett Morrell, who brought him immeasurable joy. Bill was a loyal brother to James (Eileen) Burkett, John (Bridget) Burkett, Kathleen (Michael) Laffey, Karen (Michael) McGarry, Joseph Burkett, and Daniel Burkett, a devoted son to his father, James W. Burkett, and a caring brother-in-law to Mark (Deb) Drury and Beth (Douglas) Follmer. He was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. His extended family and many friends will remember him for his warmth, wit, and unwavering kindness.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Rita Burkett, whose values of compassion and resilience he carried throughout his life.
Above all, Bill was a man who gave his heart freely - to his family, to his friends, and to those in need. His love was steady and strong, his presence a source of comfort and wisdom. Never was a man loved so much and so well.
Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, April 30, from 1:00–3:00 PM and 5:00–8:00 PM at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, May 1 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Lake, 19951 Lakeshore Blvd., Euclid, OH, with Fr. Joseph Fortuna officiating. Burial will follow at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon.
The family kindly requests that donations in memory of Bill be made to the University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's - Rainbow Leadership Fund. Contributions can be sent to:
University Hospitals
Institutional Relations and Development
P.O. Box 94554
Cleveland, OH 44101-4554