Obituary of Douglas William Burchard

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Douglas William Burchard (57) on Thursday, March 14^th, 2019. Douglas, better known as Doug to those closest to him, fought his battle with cancer with dignity and grace.  He leaves behind his wife Penny (Cole) Burchard, his two children Cory James (Rachel) Burchard and Hannah Elaine Burchard, and three grandchildren Colton, Ava and Hudson.

Doug also leaves behind his father, Francis (Carol) Burchard of Greenville, PA; brother Dennis (Marsha A.) Burchard of Guys Mills, PA; sister Marsha K. Burchard of Erie, PA; and sister Jane (Julius) Agner of Bluffton, OH. Also surviving are 2 sisters-in-law Julie (Erskine) Fludd and Lori (Vince) Dibble. He also had 7 nieces and nephews, 8 great nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends he would call family. Proceeding him in death were his mother, Joanne Cutshall Burchard, and mother and father-in-law James and Patty Cole.

He was born in Meadville, PA July 4^th, 1961 and graduated from Maplewood High School in 1979 where his love for music began and would continue as a lifelong passion. He loved playing drums for multiple bands in both PA and SC, his favorite being his last where he had the pleasure of playing with his son.

After high school, Doug joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Charleston, SC for 4 years. Upon the completion of his service he earned his business degree at Clarion University.

Doug married the love of his life, Penny Ann Cole, on July 26^th, 1986 and for 32 years together they enjoyed a life filled with laughter, family, music, dancing and some stories so memorable that could only be shared with family. Doug and Penny truly lived their motto to the end, “Better Together”.

His greatest gift was his wife and family, whom he always put first and loved deeply, and for that, we will always be grateful.

The woods were always a favorite place of Doug’s. His love for the outdoors began as a kid, hunting with his father, brother and uncle, and continued with close family and friends. He was the world’s greatest prankster, never shied away from a challenge and had an incredible ability to leave his mark on every person he met. Doug never missed an opportunity to connect with others, using his spontaneous wit to touch everyone he encountered. He had a passion for live music, the Cleveland Browns and always making sure everyone around him was uplifted and laughing.

Doug was dedicated to his work and colleagues as the Fleet Superintendent of Public Works for the city of North Charleston, SC.

A celebration service will be held on Saturday, March 30^th at Northwood Church at 1pm, 4020 2^nd Avenue Summerville, SC. Doug and Penny’s family and friends are invited to a celebration of Doug’s life immediately following the service at the of Lori and Vince Dibble, 225 Smith Creek Ln Summerville, SC 29486. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to your favorite charity in Doug’s memory. An additional memorial will be held at a later date in Pennsylvania.

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