Robert N. Burkert

Robert Neil Burkert passed away peacefully on March 14, 2013, with his devoted wife and good friends by his side. He was 66 years old. A Rockland County native, Bob was a graduate of Haverstraw High School and Fordham University. His work for Avon, Time Warner, and KPMG took him to many cities around the world but home was where he taught many new pipe band members how to play the drums and volunteered with the New City Fire Department. He was a founding member of A.O.H. of Rockland County Pipe Band, alongside is friend Ed Larkin. He is survived by his wife Bernadette, son Michael Burkert of Alamo, CA, daughter Shannon Burkert Sullivan of Arlington, VA, brother Tom Burkert, sister Cindy Burkert Larson, and beloved grandsons Luke, Liam and Finley. He will also be remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great friends who made his final days more comfortable, including Rich Dyer, Robert Dowd, Greg Deely and Guardian Angel Pee Wee Booker. The Burkert family thanks all of the members of Bob’s community, especially the members of the New City Fire Department, for their ongoing support as he bravely battled cancer for seven years.

Family will receive visitors at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home in New City from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Saturday March 16th, and Sunday, March 17th. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered Monday, March 18th at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in West Nyack with burial to follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Nanuet, NY.