Thomas E. Burkhardt

Thomas E. Burkhardt, 61, of Wethersfield, formerly of Bristol, beloved husband of Joan (Moran) Burkhardt, died peacefully in his sleep at home on Thursday (September 9, 2010) after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Hartford, he was the son of the late Everett and Hilda (Potz) Burkhardt and lived in Wethersfield over thirty years. He was employed as a Project Manger by Aetna, Inc. for over thirty-seven years and will be remembered for his dedication and commitment. He was a graduate of Bristol Eastern High School and graduated with honors from Northeastern University. He was an active member of the Wethersfield community, serving as President of the George D. Ritchie Soccer League for numerous terms. He will be remembered as a youth sports advocate, coaching and attending all of his children's games. Besides his wife, he is survived by his two sons, Brian Thomas Burkhardt and his fiancé Kellie Sievel, Kevin Michael Burkhardt all of Wethersfield, and his daughter Julia Elizabeth Burkhardt of Boston. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Jon and Martha Burkhardt of Bristol, two sisters, Donna Gruel and her husband Rev. Michael Gruel of Effington, NH and Nancy McClellan of Bristol and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. He will be deeply missed and forever loved. The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday (September 11th) from 4-7 p.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd. Wethersfield. Funeral services and burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to either to the Wethersfield Food Bank, 505 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT 06109 or to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Office of Development, 330 Brookline Avenue (BR), Boston, MA 02215. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.