GERALD 'JERRY' EDWARD BURNICK, 79, of 341 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield, a native of Pittsfield, died Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at Craneville Place of Dalton.
Born in Pittsfield on April 8, 1931, a son of Thomas P. and Marion R. Gagnon
Burnick, he was educated at St. Charles School and St. Joseph Central High School. He
later continued his education at Berkshire Community College and graduated with an
associates degree in Fire Science.
A Korean War veteran, he enlisted with the United States Air Force on February
2, 1950, served as an Airman First Class, and was honorably discharged on February 1,
1954. Mr. Burnick was employed by the Pittsfield Fire Department where he was a
firefighter for 28 years. He retired from Engine 5 (Pecks Road) on March 23, 1984.
He also worked part-time for Charles Freadman Steel for many years.
Mr. Burnick was a communicant of St. Charles Church. He was a member of the Pittsfield Permanent Fireman's Association and the
International Association of Firefighters Local 2647. He was a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Local 272, the Pittsfield Boys Club Alumni Association, and the American Legion Post 68. He served on
the Board of Directors of the Pittsfield AARP Chapter 159 and was a member of the
Massachusetts Local and State Retirement Association. He was also a volunteer for the
American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days.
He enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Pittsfield Senior Bowling League.
He also enjoyed gardening, camping, walking his dog, apple and blueberry picking, and
vacationing on Cape Cod.
Mr. Burnick leaves his wife, the former Ethel C. "Penny" Mickle, whom he
married May 19, 1951, in St. Joseph Church.
Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Stephen E. Burnick and his wife,
Eileen, of Montrose, Colorado; a brother, James R. Burnick of Pittsfield; two grandsons,
Matthew J. Burnick and Timothy J. Burnick; three step grandchildren, Donna Pinela,
Tanya Pinela, and Michael Pinela, and five step great grandchildren, Tristan Pinela,
Kayla Pinela, Chase Pinela,Madison Pinela, and Emma Jane Wagner; as well as several
nieces, nephews, and cousins, his beloved dog, "Princess", and many friends.
He was pre-deceased by a son, Gary Burnick, who died March 10, 1992, as
well as three brothers, George F. Burnick, Robert W. Burnick, and Thomas J.Burnick.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for GERALD 'JERRY' EDWARD BURNICK will be
Monday, April 11, at 9:15 a.m., from DERY FUNERAL HOME with a Liturgy of
Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m., at St. Charles Church celebrated by Rev. Peter A.
Gregory, Pastor and Chaplain of the Pittsfield Fire Department. Burial with Fire
Department and military honors will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours will
be Sunday, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions
in memory of Mr. Burnick may be made to St. Charles Church "Reaching New Heights",
the Pittsfield Permanent Fireman's Association, Hospice Services of Western
Massachusetts, or to Craneville Place of Dalton all in care of the Funeral Home, 54
Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

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