Kevin W. Burch – 57 – of 473 Bishopville Ext., Arkport, NY died Monday morning (March 17, 2014) at his home, following a courageous four year battle with cancer.
Born in Wellsville, NY on June 6, 1956, he was the son of William & Bonnie Burch.
Kevin grew up in Bolivar where he lived until 1971 when his family moved to Hornell. He was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1974).
Following his high school graduation, Kevin began working for his father as a salesman at Maple City Dodge in Hornell. He continued his role as salesman for over 40 years and on January 1st, 2008, following his father’s retirement, he, along with his friend, Gary Harwood, purchased the dealership. He has served as president of the company since that time.
Kevin was a member of the Bishopville United Methodist Church where he served as an usher. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting & fishing. In his younger years, Kevin loved squirrel & woodchuck hunting and in later years primarily enjoyed hunting deer, turkey & rabbit. He also loved to go fishing (even ice fishing) — usually on Smith Pond.
He was also an avid bowler and throughout the years bowled in several bowling leagues, including the “Car Dealer’s League” at the Hornell Bowl. He and his wife, Val, loved watching professional bowling on television and several years ago attended a PBA Tournament.
Kevin was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Burch and his niece, Mary Elizabeth Burch.
Because two people fell in love, on August 21, 1976 he married the former Valerie “Val” Moore who survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Brandi Burch of Arkport; 3 sons, Richard “Richie” (Shannon) Burch of Lima, John (Elysia) Burch of Canisteo and David Burch of Arkport; his father, William Burch of Hornell; 1 brother, Greg Burch of Conyers, GA; 1 sister, Teresa (Jack) Gardner of Canisteo; 7 grandchildren, Braelyn Burch, Hunter Burch, Pieper Burch, Bella Burch, Jenna Burch, Brittney Weakland and Julia Day; several aunts, uncles, nieces & nephews.
The family of Kevin W. Burch will receive friends on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where a private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family with Pastor Pam Carey and Rev Dudley Jenkins officiating.
Kevin’s family request that instead of sending flowers, family & friends make a memorial contribution in his name to either the Bishopville United Methodist Church, Bishopville Rd., Arkport, NY 14807 or to the Hornell YMCA, 18 center St., Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home or click here to print a form.
Val and family,
So sorry for your loss and the loss of my great friend. Sorry I didn’t get up to see him, didn’t realize he was that bad. Will be thinking of you guys and praying for comfort. If you need anything don’t be afraid to call me.
Ed Lundy
Val, to you and your family; Gerry and I would like to wish you our deepest condolences. We will forever remember the special times we spent together in our youth. Sharing birthdays with Kevin is something Ger mentions every June 6th. Take care dear friend, our prayers are with you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Having grown up with Richie and Brandi I was around the family often. Kevin was an amazing father and friend to all who knew him. I can still remember as if it were yesterday playing men’s night basketball at Arkport Central School with Kevin. A man who always seemed to have that grin on his face able to light up any room. Kevin, my heart is heavy tonight knowing how good of a man you are and what a big loss this will be to your family, friends, and community. I know you are in a better place and I will never forget you.
Sending love and prayers your way.So very sorry for the loss of your father.He will be missed.
Val,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My sympathy to you and your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Val,
I’m so sorry for your lost. Thinking of you and if you or your family needs anything, please let me know.
Denise Walters (Deb’s cousin)
Val, wishing you and family peace during this very hard time, he was a great man and will be missed.
Bernie Hults
Val and family,
Our hearts are heavy for your loss. Please so not hesitate to let us know if we can do anything at all.
Andrea and Frank Spitulnik
Val and family,
We are sending thoughts and prayers to you all, wish for the day that your hearts filled with sorrow will lighten from the great memories that you all made during this lifetime. Please find some comfort during days coming thru family and friends, please don’t hesitate to call for anything, Love to All, Steve and Marie Cook
Val and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Kevin was such a great guy – I loved the support he gave to all those around him. Growing up with Brandi and Richie, I remember him often being at sports events, always giving positive support and understanding to all of the kids. My family and I are saying prayers for you and your family during this very difficult time.
Jeremy Holbrook and Family
Val and Family,
We were saddened to her about the passing of Kevin. He was a wonderful person who we always had the utmost respect for and his presence will be sorely missed. After so many years of putting up the good fight his suffering is now over and he can be at peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Respectfully yours,
Kenny and Mary Shupp (Woodhull, NY)
Please know our prays and thoughts are with all the Burch family at this time of your lose.
God be with you one and all!
Val and Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Brandi and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to ease your pain. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Bill, Val, Greg, Teresa & Families,
I am so sorry for your loss. May memories see you all through this difficult time. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Val,
I am praying for you and your family during this trying time. May God comfort you all. I remember all the fun we had in the Monday Blue League with you, Kevin, and his folks. That was a great year, 1976.
so sorry to read of Kevin’s passing n know u all are in our thoughts n prayers. my parents Jim n the late Grace Watkins knew his parents n the family when they lived in Bolivar.
may the lord be with u all n comfort u all in the time of loss.