Charles V. Burkley

Charles V. Burkley, 89, of Greensburg, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, February 21, 2021.  He was born October 3, 1931 in Bairdstown, to Joseph Burkley Sr. and Rose Anna (Gray) Burkley.  He attended SS Simon & Jude Catholic School in Blairsville, graduated from Derry High School and earned his accounting degree from Saint Vincent College in 1958.  He was a Korean War veteran having served in the US Navy.  He was also a member of the American Legion.  He was first employed by Callery Chemical and later by Kennametal Inc.  He worked for West Penn Power, later Allegheny Power, for 37 years, having served as Comptroller and Special Assistant to the President at the time of his retirement in 1995.  Our Dad was a devout Catholic his entire life, from serving as an altar boy in the 1930’s, to his involvement at St. Paul’s Church serving on various committees and as a lector in the 1960’s and 1970’s, to his current parish at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral.  He was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.  He took on an active role in the Boy Scouts with his sons and was instrumental in the development of organized youth baseball in Carbon and Southwest Greensburg.  He enjoyed all sports, but his passion was baseball and his beloved Pittsburgh Pirates, of which he never missed a game on TV or the radio.  Dad’s most treasured moments were spending time with his grandkids.  He loved attending their sporting events, dance recitals, school plays, graduations, birthdays and relaxing on his back deck, listening to music, singing along with the kids.  The foundation of our father’s legacy that he left us is one of strength of character, devotion to family and commitment to the Catholic faith.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 33 years, Jane Frances (Larva) in 1992; and his beloved daughter, Monica Anna Burkley in 1967.  He was also preceded by his siblings, brother Joseph Burkley Jr. and wife Edith, sister Nancy Fortunato, an infant brother and sister; brother-in-law, Jay Larva; sister-in-law, Eva Mae Larva; and niece, Linda Larva.  He is survived by his children, sons Dr. Thomas C. Burkley and wife Eleanor, of Florence, Colorado, Ronald M. Burkley, of Greensburg, Daniel M. Burkley and wife Mary Beth of Belle Vernon, and daughter Charlene M. Corrales and husband Dr. Alberto Corrales of Danville.  He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Cayla Jane Burkley, of Greensburg and Christopher Burkley, of Miami Beach, Fla., Emma Burkley, Bernadette and Gabriel Corrales; brothers-in-law, Mike Fortunato, of Blairsville, and Donald Larva, of Pittsburgh; and several nieces and nephews.  There will be no public visitation.  Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral mass to be celebrated at 9:30 AM Saturday in Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, 300 N. Main St., Greensburg.  Interment will follow in Greensburg Catholic Cemetery.  Please be prepared to adhere to all current health guidelines, including face masks and social distancing.  LEO M. BACHA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 516 Stanton Street, Greensburg is assisting with arrangements.  www.bachafh.com

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