Francis "Frank" Burlingham

Francis Douglas Burlingham, 87, passed peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, December 16, 2020.

He was born in Niles, Ohio on June 28, 1933, son of the late Georgia Barber Bentley and Francis Burlingham, and stepson of Donald Bentley.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his oldest son Bradley Burlingham.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 65 years, Lois Chambers Burlingham of Brecksville, Ohio; two sons, Donald (Cindy) Burlingham of Stafford, Virginia, and William (Elsie) Burlingham of Mason, Ohio; daughter Rebecca (Ted) Riser of Bath, Ohio; five grandchildren, Megan (Curt) Beling, Laura (Jay) Hamm, Eva (Rob) Driver, Tyler (Jerra) Burlingham, Ethan (Lynley) Burlingham; four great grandchildren, Clark Beling, Cate Beling, Lena Hamm, Jack Hamm; dear extended family members Andrea Martinez, Ben Martinez and Melissa Riser; and many loved nieces and nephews.  He will also be greatly missed by his little buddy, Coco.

Frank was a 1951 graduate of Niles McKinley High School.  He attended Wittenberg University be​fore volunteering for service in the United States Army from 1952-1955, and was a veteran of the Korean War.  He returned to earn a degree from Youngstown State University.  Frank spent his 24-year career in the steel and coal industries primarily with Republic Steel Corporation, and BP America's coal division in Cleveland, Ohio, where he retired as Director of Labor Relations in 1990.

High School sweethearts, Frank and Lois, were married in 1955, and began their lives together in Niles, Ohio.  Frank's career took them to Uniontown, PA, Washington, PA and Lexington, KY, until they were transferred to Brecksville, Ohio in 1987.  After a 10-year residency in Fort Myers, Florida, they were very happy to return to Brecksville in 2009.  From Ohio to Pennsylvania to Florida, no matter where Frank lived, there was always a circle of special friends to help him enjoy his favorite activities of golf, poker and bocce. 

Affectionately known as "Bud" with family and longtime friends, he is remembered for his commanding presence and resonant voice.  Frank will be remembered for being reserved, but very committed to community service, and the support of patriotic causes he saw as truly worthwhile.

The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers with The Hospice of the Western Reserve for the compassionate and loving care shown to Frank and his family during his final days.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to this organization in Frank's memory would be appreciated.

Arrangements for Frank's final care have been entrusted to Nosek-McCreery Funeral Home in Brecksville, Ohio.  A memorial service and celebration of life will be held for Frank at a later date.

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