January 01, 1970
The world has lost one of the nicest men to ever walk it.
On the afternoon of July 16, 2023, his 68th birthday, Rich peacefully left us to attend his heavenly birthday party. We are sure all of his loved ones were waiting to welcome him with hugs and kisses and of course a Coors Light.
The youngest son of the late Joseph and Mary (Hughes). Youngest brother of Joseph and the late Jack (surviving spouse Peggy). Devoted husband of nearly 42 to years to Elizabeth (Betty) and proud father to Christine (Chris) and RJ (Brittany). Loving grandfather to Sabrina. A beloved brother-in-law to Betty’s 2 brothers Norman and William as well as a treasured cousin and uncle to the Beck and Burtnett extended families
Rich had so many great qualities that it’s impossible to list them all. He was an avid sports lover. He coached football at Annunciation and St. Sebastian’s grade schools for many years, continuing even after RJ left to play at North Hills. He took any opportunity to golf with his buddies, which was the subject of many stories for years to come. Cross Creek was another Christmas to him and he looked forward to it every August. He was a simple man who took great pleasure in simple things. He loved to sit on his porch with a beer, especially when it was raining outside. He enjoyed the trips he and Betty took to Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, and to Walt Disney World with all of his family, making sure we made the most of our times there thanks to Christine and her expertise at planning. He even looked forward to picking grapes each Fall in North East, PA so Betty could make her world famous jelly. Nothing compared to the joy he got when spending a week in Conneaut Lake with his whole family, a tradition started with his children and continued so that his precious Sabrina could experience it too,
Rich had more friends than anyone we knew, always running into someone he knew wherever he went and wherever he traveled. We used to laugh that it took him many hours to cut the grass because he had to stop and talk to everyone. He was proud of having been raised on the North Side. He was still close to many of his Annunciation grade school friends. He was a proud resident of McKnight Village in Ross Township for 36 years where he happily raised his children and made lifelong friends who became family. Our family will never be able to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to the many friends and neighbors who supported, cared for, and prayed for us during this difficult time.
Rich was a dedicated individual. He worked in the bearing industry for over 40 years, first at Bearings Inc. and then at American Roller Bearing/Timken up until May 1 when he entered the hospital. He was a treasured employee and friend to all.
Nothing was more important to Rich than his family and he was so proud of them. He was so relieved when our children found spouses to love them as much as we did. Thanks Chris and Brittany. Our Sabrina was the apple of his eye and he loved to tease her about sharing her saved up money with him and always made sure she had chocolate candy each time she came to visit. We should all aspire to be more like Rich. Babe, Dad, Papa, Birdie, Brother, Coach, Friend, and neighbor, your love will be felt forever.
May all the blessings you bestowed on us in this life be with you for all eternity.
Friends received Thursday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Devlin Funeral Home,Inc., 806 Perry Hwy, North Hills. Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, St. Sebastian Church, Friday 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Animal Friends (Camp Horne Road) in honor of his beloved Granddogs, “Gdoggie” Baby Marie, Junie, and Belly Belle.
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Many memories of our Burtnett brothers of Ellzey Street. Our family lived on Ellis St and many memories of Annunciation Parish and North Catholic. We celebrate their lives! Condolences to his Family.
Rich and I were in homeroom together at north Catholic..
He was a good guy
Always friendly
R.i.p rich
Dear Betty and Family:
We are deeply saddened to hear of Richard’s passing. Our condolences and prayers to all of you. May he Rest In Paradise
I.S.A.L.Y.’S (West View)
Betty and family,
My deepest condolences to you all. Learning the news of the loss of my beloved mentor and “coach Burnett” was tough. Of all the football and baseball coaches I had in my youth, coach Burnett was my favorite because it was obvious he was concerned about me, the person, first and foremost. I think anyone that knows Rich understands that quality about him. I will keep Rich and you all in my thoughts and prayers. RIP coach Burnett and thank you for being you!
I had the pleasure of working with Rich for the past 24 years at ARB. In Pgh our offices were right next to each other. He was always so helpful and nice to me. Even when I relocated to NC, he always checked in to see how me and my family were doing. I loved hearing his voice when we talked over the phone because it always felt like I was back home. He was like a dad to me all these years and I will miss him dearly.
Rich was an honest man and a great salesman. I will hold the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Rich (Birdie) was a 1973 North Catholic High School classmate. I am so very sorry for your loss. Rich was a good guy in the North days and I could see that he carried himself very well throughout his life when I read his obituary and the comments left by his friends and coworkers. A good North Sider! May God grant Birdie eternal rest.
I worked wirh Rich for 10 years at ARB, he was one of the best for sure always willing to help us in anyway he could from teaching us about bearings and the application to helping us with pricing and advice he told care of us always no matter how busy or overwhelmed he was. He talked about his family daily and even though I have never met any of you I feel like I know you through him. It was an honor to call him not only my co-worker but my buddy. Praying for you all during this difficult time.
Your Eulogy is beautiful. We went to grade school together and he and I buddied up briefly at that time. I wish I had spent more time with Rich. From what I read he was a fine man. I will miss not seeing him at the reunion.
I am so sorry to hear about rich passing. My deepest sympathy. Deborah fletcher
We lost a very special person in Rich Burtnett.
He was a caring and honest man who loved his family and his work.
I had the pleasure of working with him at ARB for over 32 years. He was the genuine and could always be counted on to help you.
He was passionate about his sports teams We had many spirited debates about who was better the Steelers or the Pats and the Pens or the Bruins. He also had a love for chasing the little white ball and on occasional, a Coors Lite.
I will miss you, Rich Burnett. Thank you for being my friend.
.
Dearest Betty, I am so very sorry you lost Rich. I will always remember him and consider it one of my blessings to have had him as a friend. God bless. Love and prayers – Eileen
My best friend/Best Man, a true life long buddy from grade until now. I’m broken hearted at the loss we all suffer. So happy that I along with Sandy were to see Birdie and Betty back in May.
YOU WILL BE MISSED!
Dear Betty
I was sorry to hear about Rich. I wish there was something I could say to ease the pain, believe me I know how hard it is to loose someone you love.
Bob
Betty and family – My deepest sympathy to you all. Rich was a grade school friend. What a character! May your memories bring you peace in the days ahead.
I had the pleasure of working with Rich for the last four years. Every day he was a blessing to me!! He helped and taught and sometimes just kindly listened. He never once failed to tell me “if the girls need me, just call or text”! We thought the world of him and we have all of you in our prayers! Much love, Lorri
Betty….I am so sorry to hear about Rich. You have my Deepest Sympathy. Praying for you and your family.
So sad to hear about Richard passing. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. I had not seen Rich since we graduated from Annunciation, but it was comforting to read how much he enjoyed life and that he was so well loved.
Such a beautiful tribute to Rich. May God bless your family and give you peace.