Joseph George Burgh

Joseph George Burgh, 59, of Washington, formerly of Hill Station, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2011. He was the eldest son of the late Richard and Margaret Burgh, also of Hill Station. He was a 1970 graduate of Canon McMillan High School and he was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bridgeville. Mr. Burgh served in the United States Navy aboard the amphibious assault ship, U.S.S. Juneau LPD-10 in the Vietnam War. He earned a Vietnam Campaign Medal with 4 stars, a Vietnam Service Medal, and a National Defense Ribbon. He worked as a continuous miner operator for Consolidation Coal Company, mine Montour #4, until its closing. In 1981 he was a Washington County Deputy Sheriff. For the next 27 years, he was a police officer serving the townships of Chartiers and Cecil. In 2001 and 2002, he was the school resource officer for Cecil Middle School. He also worked part-time for Hanover Police at Star Lake Amphitheater. He coached Wolfdale Warrior Football and coached in Washington Youth Baseball. He was an avid deer hunter and a devoted Steeler fan. He was a great storyteller and always made people laugh. He truly loved being with his family and especially enjoyed his grandchildren. He was a member of Canonsburg FOP Lodge #22, and Washington Lodge 164 F & AM. Until his illness, he was a member of the Blue Knights Chapter PA 16 and Canonsburg Sportsmen Club. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Roxanne (Roe). They were married on the Queen Mary on October 26, 1974. Also surviving are his children, daughter, Salina Howcroft (Greg) of Houston, and son Paul Burgh (Kristi) of Hunker; granddaughter, Carson Burgh, and grandson, Brandon George Burgh, also of Hunker. Also his brother, Eric R. Burgh, of Hill Station, his uncle, Robert Burgh, of Washington, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death was his brother, Craig M. Burgh. Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 22, 2011, with Rev. Duncan McClelland officiating. Burial will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville.