Paul Burkavage Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hessling Funeral Home, Inc. on Dec. 18, 2025.
Paul
Joseph Burkavage, 67, of Honesdale, passed away Tuesday at Wayne
Memorial Hospital following a years-long battle with ALS, with his wife
and devoted caregiver of 46 years, Sue Ann Brussell Burkavage, by his
side.
Born April 9, 1958, in Honesdale, he was the son of the late John and Rita Burkavage. Paul graduated from Honesdale High School in 1976 and was a lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Parish. Following graduation, he worked in construction for Dorsan for many years before going into business for himself. Although masonry was Paul's specialty, he could and did build almost anything and took great pride in his work. Known for his honesty and fairness, his business was built on quality craftsmanship and word of mouth.
Paul most enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and traveling with his wife. He will be remembered for having the deepest voice, bluest eyes, kindest heart, and for being an incredibly strong man. While ALS robbed him of his physical strength, his mental strength remained unmatched throughout the progression of the disease. His greatest joy was his family, and his deepest wish was to be able to watch his grandsons grow up, a loss that weighs heavily on all who loved him. He will be profoundly missed, and his absence leaves a sadness in the hearts of his family.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to his longtime friends who became caregivers, Paul Bunnell, Bob Bates, and John Romich, as well as to his siblings, whose love, friendship, and support meant more to him than words can express.
In addition to his wife, Paul is survived by his daughter, Cassie Burkavage Ordnung, and her husband, Jeffrey; his son, Brook Burkavage, and partner, Zachary Caplan; his beloved grandchildren, Brice, Drake, and Jayce Ordnung; his sisters, Joan Spencer and partner Jim, Jean Nolan, and Marie Bryant and husband Rodney; his brothers, Daniel Burkavage and wife Debra, and John Burkavage Jr. and wife Karen; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Lokie.
He was preceded in death by his son, Stanley Paul Burkavage.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 22, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Church, Honesdale. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Honesdale. Arrangements by Hessling Murray Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.
Lastly, the family is deeply grateful to all who knew Paul for their prayers and kindness, and to the medical team whose compassionate care meant so much throughout his illness.
Born April 9, 1958, in Honesdale, he was the son of the late John and Rita Burkavage. Paul graduated from Honesdale High School in 1976 and was a lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Parish. Following graduation, he worked in construction for Dorsan for many years before going into business for himself. Although masonry was Paul's specialty, he could and did build almost anything and took great pride in his work. Known for his honesty and fairness, his business was built on quality craftsmanship and word of mouth.
Paul most enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and traveling with his wife. He will be remembered for having the deepest voice, bluest eyes, kindest heart, and for being an incredibly strong man. While ALS robbed him of his physical strength, his mental strength remained unmatched throughout the progression of the disease. His greatest joy was his family, and his deepest wish was to be able to watch his grandsons grow up, a loss that weighs heavily on all who loved him. He will be profoundly missed, and his absence leaves a sadness in the hearts of his family.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to his longtime friends who became caregivers, Paul Bunnell, Bob Bates, and John Romich, as well as to his siblings, whose love, friendship, and support meant more to him than words can express.
In addition to his wife, Paul is survived by his daughter, Cassie Burkavage Ordnung, and her husband, Jeffrey; his son, Brook Burkavage, and partner, Zachary Caplan; his beloved grandchildren, Brice, Drake, and Jayce Ordnung; his sisters, Joan Spencer and partner Jim, Jean Nolan, and Marie Bryant and husband Rodney; his brothers, Daniel Burkavage and wife Debra, and John Burkavage Jr. and wife Karen; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Lokie.
He was preceded in death by his son, Stanley Paul Burkavage.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 22, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Church, Honesdale. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Honesdale. Arrangements by Hessling Murray Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.
Lastly, the family is deeply grateful to all who knew Paul for their prayers and kindness, and to the medical team whose compassionate care meant so much throughout his illness.
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