Christopher David Burkett

Christopher D. Burkett, age 46, of Churchill, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 5, 2022. Chris was the beloved son of Gertrude C. "Gaye" Burkett and the late David E. Burkett. He is survived by his mother, his sister Katherine Curry, his nieces Julia and Lauren Curry, and his loving friends.

Chris graduated from Woodland Hills High School in 1994, where he was actively involved in the musical theater, choir, and drama departments.  His love of film took him to Manhattan, where he attended the School of Visual Arts and graduated in 2000 with a B.F.A. in Film and Video.  Chris later earned a Masters in School Counseling from Hunter College in 2007, which allowed him to further refine his natural gift for connecting with and caring for people.

He loved New York City life, especially his time as manager for his friends’ band The Boroughs, scheduling shows and promoting their records, and his volunteer work with the New York office of The Children’s Tumor Foundation.   His return to Pittsburgh included a return to his enthusiastic in-person support of the sports teams he loved, especially the Penguins. 

Chris approached life with a vast reserve of perseverance, good humor and compassion, despite the challenges he faced during his lifelong struggle with neurofibromatosis.  He had a rare, innate ability to listen, to care, and to connect with seemingly everyone he encountered in a genuine, thoughtful way.  He will also be remembered for his great intellectual curiosity, his interest in and knowledge of film and sports, and his sharp wit and insight.

The family is grateful for the many people who enriched Chris’s life: his doctors, therapists, caregivers, neighbors, and wonderful friends.

Through CORE (Center for Organ Recovery and Education), Chris was able to give the gift of life by his posthumous donation of tissue for research and education.     

Donations in memory of Chris can be made to The Children’s Tumor Foundation (https://www.ctf.org), CORE (https://www.core.org), or the charity of your choice.

Friends are invited to celebrate Chris's life at Grand View Golf Club, 1000 Clubhouse Drive, Braddock PA 15104, on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Celebration of Life at 11:00am followed by a light luncheon. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.