Gerald James Burtchaell

Gerald James Burtchaell passed away peacefully on the evening of August 2, 2016 with Mary Sue, his cherished wife of 48 years, by his side. He was 77 years old. He is also survived by his two daughters Alana Synakiewicz and Lisa Burtchaell, three grandchildren Milan, Kira, and Ivan Synakiewicz, two sons-in-law David Synakiewicz and Shaun Prestridge, brother Roy Burtchaell, and many loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Irene Burtchaell, sister Norma Kampen, and brother Rodney Burtchaell. Gerald was a native New Orleanian, a veteran of the US Air Force, a retired New Orleans firefighter, and attended LSUNO. He raised his family in Metairie and later became a part-time resident of Mandeville. In life, Gerald was a voracious reader and enjoyed music and technology. He loved sitting outside his home with Mary Sue to play with his grandchildren and the other neighborhood children, sometimes getting on his electric scooter to ride around with them. He liked meeting his friends at Lakeside Mall to chat and people-watch. He often cracked silly jokes, loved sugary foods, and solved hundreds of newspaper crossword puzzles over the years (sometimes with Alana's help). His family is grateful for the outstanding service and kindness of the staff at St. Tammany Parish Hospital during his final days. Interment will be at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell, Louisiana. In keeping with his appreciation for privacy, there will be no service. Arrangement by Bagnell & Son Funeral Home of Covington, LA. To view and sign the family guest book, please visit www.bagnellfuneralhome.com.