Donald F. Burnham

Donald F. Burnham, 83, of Rochester, and founder of D.F. Burnham & Co., a stocking distributor of Hydraulic and Pneumatic Components, passed away on March 4, 2011 after a short illness. Born December 18, 1927 to Roland and Leona (nee Schmitz) Burnham; Mr. Burnham grew up in Detroit where he graduated from Cooley High School and attended Henry Ford Trade School. He served alongside his twin brother, Richard, in the U.S. Navy. In 1972 Donald founded D.F. Burnham & Company in Warren, Michigan. He built the business from a small location on 10 Mile Road to the corporation it has become today. In 1983 the Burnham Manifold line was developed which is not only used and sold in the United States, but also worldwide. In 1997, the company moved into its new 23,000 square foot facility located in Sterling Heights. The company is now owned and operated by Donald’s son, David. Upon his retirement in 1990, Donald and his wife relocated their residence to Kiawah Island, South Carolina, overlooking Turtle Creek Golf Course. While residing on Kiawah, Donald also played a grounds keeper in the movie “Legend of Bagger Vance”, which was an experience he enjoyed immensely. Mr. Burnham was a lifelong avid golfer who loved the game and played it well. He enjoyed trips to Ireland and Scotland where he fulfilled his lifelong dream of playing the game on some of the best courses in the world. Many summers were also spent at the family cottage in Port Austin, Michigan. In 1996, upon the death of their son Daniel, Mr. and Mrs. Burnham founded the Daniel R. Burnham Memorial Foundation, giving gifts to many children’s charities. The annual Foundation Golf Outing with friends and family was a highlight of his life. Mr. Burnham will be remembered by those fortunate to have known him as a hard worker, devoted to his business and his family. He enjoyed life to the fullest and was known to have a great sense of humor. He took pride in his accomplishments, and the business that bears his name. He loved his dogs, Barney and Charlie, and was married to his best friend Alice for 61 years. He was a devoted fan of the Brother Rice Wrestling program where he never missed the chance to watch his grandson Bryan wrestle; Mr. Burnham is survived by his wife, Alice (nee Buckley); children, Donna (Paul) Vitale, David (Cathy), Dennis, and Diane Peppler; sister, Betty (James) Dinser, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded by his son Daniel and his twin brother Richard (Norma). Visitation is Tuesday 4- 9:00 p.m. & Wednesday 2-4 & 6-9:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Dr., Rochester; Funeral Mass 10:00 a.m. Thursday at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1400 Inglewood, Rochester; Memorial contributions to Hospice of MI, 400 Mack Ave., Detroit, MI 48201 would be appreciated. Please leave condolences at www.pixleyfuneralrochester.com