Leroy Nathaniel Burkhead Jr.

LeRoy Nathaniel Burkhead Jr. departed this life to join his beloved wife Anne on Thursday, July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was born May 26, 1931 in Baltimore Maryland, the first of ten children born to the late LeRoy Nathaniel Burkhead Sr and Catherine Venetta Moon. He is survived by his two loving daughters Karen Louise Hughes and Michele Leslie Burkhead. Grandchildren Logan Hughes and wife Christina, Connor Freeburger, Noah Freeburger and wife Stephanie, Haley Freeburger and bonus Grandchildren Daniel and Haley Aguiar, Sara Perseghin and husband Stephen and Terri Williams and husband Jeffrey. Also Great Grandchildren Violet Birch-Hughes, Raegan Hughes, and Ethan, Emma and Evie Cage. Treasured Brother of John Burkhead and wife Francis, Ronald Burkhead and wife Shirley, Robert Burkhead and wife Sandra, Douglas Burkhead and wife Leslie, Katherine Joy and late husband Robert, Patricia Green and Husband Bluett, the late Ralph Burkhead and wife Rosalie, the late James Burkhead and the late Raymond Burkhead.

Lee was a lifelong resident of Maryland. He graduated from Kenwood High School in 1948 and worked for the A&P Tea Company as a stock boy from July 1949 until March 1951 when he reported for Naval Training at the USNTC in Great Lakes Illinois. He went on to serve his country in Korea as an Aviation Machinist with Task Force 77 on board the USS Boxer Attack Squadron 702 and on board the USS Kearsage Attack Squadron 145. He was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal (two stars), China Service Medal, Naval Occupation Service Medal (European) and a Good Conduct Medal. Lee served his country until discharge on March 11, 1955. When asked why he did not re-enlist his answer was a simple one - “I met the love of my life”.

Lee met Barbara Anne Papandreu (O’Donnell) at the Dutch Mill Lounge in Parkville Maryland where his father was manager/bartender and she was waitressing. The rest, as they say, is history. They were married on October 12, 1957 and shared their lives together until her passing on July 2, 2022. They had been married 65 years and were members of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fullerton. Lee sang in the St. Joseph’s church choir for many years and was an active volunteer in various organizations.

Lee began working for Otis Elevator Company as a mechanic on November 1, 1956 and retired after 37 years as a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 07 on January 14, 1993. He was a dedicated Union Man and proud to be a member. He was a trusted and loyal employee.

Lee was an extraordinary example of what it is to be a good and caring human being, an excellent husband and father and a wonderful Grandfather and Great Grandfather. He was a family man by nature - providing for his family and their well-being, a caring son and brother, a good friend and neighbor. Lee was quiet by nature and a man of few words. But you always knew where you stood with him. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed help. He has passed on an amazing legacy to his family and will be missed every day.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at Schmiunek Funeral Home Inc., 9705 Belair Rd. Nottingham, MD 21236 on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 3-7 PM, where a Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Moreland Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to H.O.P.E., a Cancer Patient Support Group in Pennsylvania. Lee and members of his family have been involved with and supported this organization for many years. PO Box 279 Stewartstown, PA 17363. hopelifeline.org