Burch, Gary Joseph, Sr. was born June 28,1947 in Atlantic City to Alfonso F. Burch, Sr. and Grace Kendall-Murphy. Gary departed this life joyfully in the grace of God on Saturday, January 4, 2014 in Egg Harbor Township.
His parents raised Gary in Egg Harbor Township. He attended Egg Harbor Township Elementary Schools, Oakcrest High School, Mays Landing, and Langston University in Oklahoma. Having played football in high school and college, Gary was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Pleasantville. He retired from the Labor’s International Union of North America, Local 415. Gary was known as an avid fisherman and wild game hunter. People called him the executive chef of wild game. When entertaining family and friends, he’d served his famous fish, rabbit and squirrel stews as his guests contently listened to “throw back” R&B music, particularly Earth, Wind and Fire.
Gary at an early age was affectionately known as “Mahatma Gandhi”, a nickname given to him by his grandfather, Samuel. And thus, he did deliver his philosophical as well as biblical views to whoever was in earshot. Many have known him to ask this question, “What is the one thing in the world you can’t get back?” As people pondered for the answer, Gary would reply humbly, “Time”. He is best known for being a loving son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, nephew, brother-in-law, cousin and friend to many. Often Gary would say, “If a child I meet needs a father, I’ll be their father”. And true to his word a loving father he was, to his biological and non-biological children.
Gary leaves a circle of fond memories to his children, Gary J. Burch, Jr. (Charletta) of California, Venita Hill, Tavina Hill, Gennel Burch, and Garry Burch all of Pennsylvania; his brother and caretaker, Alfonso F. Burch, Jr. (Catherine) of Egg Harbor Township; his brother, William C. Burch, Sr. (Veronica) of North Carolina; his sisters, Grace Burch of Egg Harbor Township, Robin Dawson of Florida, Rebecca Nesbitt (Kenneth) of Galloway Township and Elizabeth Anekwe (Ugochukwu) of Millville; his grandchildren: Sean Hill, Kadrian Hill, Akayla J. Burch, Gary J. Burch, III; and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins as well as numerous family friends. “We will be known forever by the tracks we leave.” Dakota – Service was private and entrusted to Adams-Perfect Funeral Home, 1650 New Road, Northfield. www.Adams-Perfect.com