Jon Charles Burdick

Jon Charles Burdick

Of Oakland, PA

To many who knew him longest, he was simply “Chuck.” Later in life, he went by Jon.  To be honest, one name was never going to hold all of that man. One thing is for sure, whatever name you knew him by, the Book of Jon Charles Burdick was vast.

Its chapters told of a “Huck Finn” youth, full of woods, lakes, and mountaintops. He was a thespian, a hoopster, a graduate of the final class of Laurel Hill Academy in 1970, a proud graduate of Broome Community College, and a Coast Guardsman.  He became a father and stepfather earlier than most would dare, weathered the beautiful madness of it all, and emerged as the kind of Papa his grandchildren will never forget.

He worked as a cna, data processor, transcriptionist, manufacturer, volunteer, and even a master wood chopper. He was a sawmill apprentice, a train whistle roadie, a local historian, and a storyteller with an eye for the perfect shot behind the lens. At one point or another, he was all of those things—sometimes in the same year.

Chuck could swing a hammer, saw a log, smoke a cigar like Josey Wales, and still make it to the craft show with a camera slung around his neck. He built a house—literally from the trees up—with his friends at Cascade Sawmill. He hiked, biked, and was liked. Really liked. By everyone. His laugh was easy, and his kindness deep.

He had served on the board of the Susquehanna County Library & Historical Society and the D&H Rail Trail.  He was a longtime employee at Stow Manufacturing, Barnes Kasson Hospital, and Lourdes Hospital.  He shared his love of local history through public talks and presentations. He gave historic & scenic tours to many and was always eager to pass down the tales of this place he called home. He also gave back quietly- volunteering regularly at the Great Bend Food Pantry and helping wherever he could.

He loved the Rolling Stones, Dire Straits, and The Moody Blues. He enjoyed early morning coffee with family, birthday & holiday parties, kayaking, camping, poker, and lighting up a good cigar.  He was a lifelong Boston Celtics fan—but even more, a fan of kindness, community, and the quiet power of people who show up for each other.

The Book of Jon Charles Burdick turned its final page on July 14, 2025—sudden and sorrowful as the best stories often are.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann (Grausgruber), his loving parents, George and Joyce Burdick, his brother Bill Burdick, father and mother-in-law Bill and Marion Grausgruber, and brothers-in-law Billy Grausgruber and Paul Chianese. He’s no doubt walking the trail now with his faithful dogs, Max 1 and Max 2 by his side.

He leaves behind his children Lucas (Stefanie) Burdick, Joanna (Bill) Osterhout, and Judith (Eric) Herschel, and his stepchildren Mary Beth Zincone (John), Kristine (Bill) McLaughlin, Nick (Anna) Zincone, and John Zincone (Joy)—whom he loved as his own. (Yes, we know, lots of Bills and Johns!)

He was Papa to a grand gaggle of grandchildren: Logan, Lola, Finley, Scarlett, Juliette, Christian, Sean, Colin, Jacob, Caleb, Samantha, Paula, Connor, Kasi, Billy, Anthony, Marina, Jack, Sawyer, Dylan, and Kelley. Great-Papa to Loraina, Zoey, Isabella, Reese, Lourdes, Homer, Winifred, Case, Beau, Annie, Mackenzi Quinn, Corey Lee, Zoey, and Zac.

He is also survived by his siblings Marie (Loren) Curtis, Kevin (Anita) Burdick, and Connie (Craig) Gordon; his sisters-in-law Sandy Grausgruber, Peggy Chianese, and Francy (Don) Wiggs; and many, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He held a special place in his heart for his dear friends Terry, Dana, & Airyll Rockwell, and the entire Ride & Hike Gang. He made friends. He made so many friends. Close friends. Hike or die kinda friends.

It’s an extraordinary book—the Book of Jon Charles Burdick. A story full of twists and turns, highs and lows, and written with love, laughter, grit, and adventure. All the ups and downs that make a life worth reading—and one we’ll be reading in our hearts for years to come.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, August 15th, 2025, from 4-7 PM and Saturday, August 16th, 2025, from 10-11 AM at Hennessey’s Funeral Home 747 Jackson Ave. Susquehanna, PA followed by Mass at St. John’s Catholic Church in Susquehanna, PA.  Immediately following the service, all are welcome to join in a CELEBRATION of Jon’s life at Bill’s Hilltop.

In lieu of flowers, help carry Jon’s story forward with a donation to your local food bank or the D&H Rail Trail (Rail-Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania PO Box 32, Union Dale, PA 18470)— things that meant the world to him and spoke volumes about the man he was.