WESTFIELD – Joseph M Burkott, 77, of Westfield died peacefully at home with his family at his bedside. He was born in Westfield to Elizabeth Margaret (Pitoniak) and Joseph Stanley Burkott. He was raised in Russell and attended Russell Village School. He graduated from Westfield Vocational High School as a machinist. He earned certificate degrees in paper manufacturing, specialized coloring and computer science. He worked at Strathmore Paper Company and Ensign Bickford. He also worked at Fowler Farms and was part owner of Fowler Farms Produce Market. He was in the Army National Guard. He raised his family in Russell, and then moved to Westfield. He enjoyed farming, hunting and fishing. He was also a great cook, well known for his soups and Polish food.
He leaves his wife of 57 years, Alice (Aspinall), his daughter Patricia Simonowicz (Joseph), Sister Dorothy Boisseau. Daughter in laws Deborah, Elizabeth, and Aime. He had 6 grandchildren, Adam Simonowicz (Stephanie), Joseph Simonowicz, Elizabeth Addington (Zachary), Alexandra Burkott (Ricardo), John Burkott (Tamari), Jennifer Burkott. 3 step grandchildren, Wesley, Ashley, Marshall. 3 great granddaughters, Elliana, Harper, Aroura 1 step great granddaughter, Ellie God daughter Deborah Clark. Sister in laws Ella Perry (Melvin), Margaret Snyder (Ronald), Jackie Welch, brother in laws Benjamin Aspinall (Jeanne), Robert Aspinall (Susan) He leaves many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He will be missed by his cats Jerry Lee and Gracie. He was predeceased by his parents, sons Michael, John and James Burkott, his sisters Jean Marcil and Elizabeth Clark, sister in law Diane Circosta Aspinall and brother in laws Gene Boisseau, Elwin (Tommy) Clark, Robert Marcil and John Aspinall.
Services will be private. Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. We would like to thank the staff at Baystate Noble Hospital and Westfield Fire Department for their outstanding care and compassion. www.firtionadams.com
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