WESTFIELD – Kenneth C. Burl Jr., 69 of Westfield, passed away on Monday, November 5, 2012 at Baystate Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous 24 year battle with cancer. He was son to the late Jeannette (Pheland) Burl-Best and the late Kenneth C. Burl.
Ken attended local schools and graduated from Westfield Trade High School in 1961. He honorably served as a member of the 104th Tactical Fighter Group, A.N.G.B. out of Barnes, receiving his training in Texas at the Lackland Air Force Base in 1963. He was a retired Master Diesel Mechanic, and had been previously employed as Fleet Mechanic, for over 30 years with Commercial Distributing Company of Westfield. Though retired, he remained in close contact with the Company and expressed his gratitude for the continued kindness and concern of his employers Richard & Mark Placek, the office manager, Zora Gonzalves and fellow employees. Kenneth was a faithful communicant of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. His family extends their sincere gratefulness to Pastor Fr. Dan Pacholec for his spiritual care and support. Ken enjoyed restoring vehicles and attending antique car and truck shows with his life-long friend Dave Porter.
Kenneth leaves his wife of forty-seven years, Linda (Coughlin) Burl; his children, Tina Burl Storozuk and husband Peter, Kenneth D. Burl and wife Annette, and David A Burl, all of Westfield. He is also survived by three brothers, Charles “Chuck” Best and wife Raeh of Blandford, Gary Best and wife Eva of Huntington, David Burl and wife Pat of Manchester, NH; two sisters, Dorothy “Deb” (Best) Igel of Huntington and Kathleen Burl-Cardin of NH. Ken was blessed with eight grandchildren, Matthew Kazierad of NH, Courtney Kazierad, Morgan Desormier, Cloie and Matilyn Burl, Justin & Ashley Traynor and Vanessa Storozuk, all of Westfield. He leaves many members of his extended Family. His aunt, Joyce Burl Turner of NH, two sister-in-laws, Marilyn (Coughlin) Collins and husband Patrick, and Charlene (Coughlin) Hermes, all of Westfield, and a brother-in-law, Jeffrey Coughlin and wife Doreen of West Springfield. Ken had eleven nieces and nephews and many cousins both through blood and marriage. He enjoyed a close relationship with his Westfield cousins, Charles and Carole Bates, David and Tina Brown, and Alex and Charity DeRock. He also has many cousins in California and Florida. Ken acquired many friends over his life time and is sadly survived by two special friends, Dave Porter and Richard “Cracker” Curran both of Westfield.
The Family acknowledges the most extraordinary care provided by his many doctors, nurses, BMC Palative Care Team, BMC Hospice Program and most particularly his nephrologists, Dr. Barbara Greco. Dr. Greco’s care and expertise afforded Ken many extended years of life, well beyond expectancy. His Family dearly thanks her. They also would like to thank Dr. Beneitone for being Ken’s faithful primary provider.
The funeral will be held on Saturday November 10, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. from the Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street in Westfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, with burial to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday, November 9, 2012 at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Building Fund, 127 Holyoke Road, Westfield, MA 01085.
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