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John P. Burgio North Caldwell, NJ QCWA # 9511 |
John Paul Burgio of North Caldwell, who celebrated his 90th birthday in November with family and friends, died on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011. He was born in Caldwell and lived in the Caldwells all of his life.
With a degree in electrical engineering from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., he worked for the Federal Communications Commission inspecting ship radios and transmitters.
As a U.S. Army second lieutenant during World War II, Mr. Burgio served with the 977th Signal Service Headquarters Command in the Mediterranean Theater. Later he served in Greece, setting up radio stations to report to Allied headquarters on election matters.
After the war, he worked for RCA in Philadelphia and was later the president of S. A. Burgio Goodyear Tire, a family-owned business in West Caldwell and Madison, where he worked from 1950 until retiring in 1980.
Mr. Burgio, with the handle 'W2JB', was an avid HAM radio operator. With 75 years of service, he was recently recognized with a lifetime award by the American Radio Relay League, and by the Quarter Century Wireless Association. He was also honored by Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater for his involvement in freeing two American civilian vessels being held for ransom in Indonesia in 1969.
He was a man of many interests, including the restoration and operation of Grover Cleveland's birthplace in Caldwell, and supporting the Republican Party, the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, the Rotary Club of the Caldwells, American Legion Post 185, and various local historical societies. In recent years, he thoroughly enjoyed cooking, and would whip up treats to entertain his HAM radio buddies on Sundays, as well as keep his friends and family well-fed when they stopped by. He had the 'gift of gab', and loved being with people. He will be missed by many.
He was the beloved father of John E. and his wife, Sandy, and James D. and his wife, Susan; the loving brother of Elaine Denman and her husband, Douglass J.; the cherished grandfather of Laura and Alex Birdsall and Julia and Elizabeth Burgio; the caring brother-in-law of Ruth Bedford; and the dear uncle of Diane, Janice, MaryBeth, and Ellen. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jane Burgio, who served as secretary of state under former Gov. Thomas Kean.
A funeral service was held on Monday, Feb. 7, at the First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell,. Interment will be at Prospect Hill Cemetery. Arrangements were by the Dancy Funeral Home in Caldwell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell Memorial Fund, 326 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell, N.J., 07006; The Adler Aphasia Center, 60 West Hunter Ave., Maywood, N.J. 07607; or to the Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, N.J., 07041.
(Source: New Jersey Hills)
North Caldwell resident John Burgio celebrated his 90th birthday with family, friends and amateur 'Ham' radio members at a special gathering on Saturday, Nov. 6 arranged by his sons John and Jimmy and their wives.
'JB' was recognized for his many radio contacts around the world. He was active in The NJDX Group that processes QXL cards confirming radio contacts by most Hams in Northern New Jersey. He is believed to have the most expensive antenna and radio system of anyone in the area.
His other interests include the restoration and operation of Grover Cleveland's birthplace in Caldwell, as well as long-term support of the Republican party.
His late wife, Jane Burgio, served as secretary of state under former Gov. Tom Kean.
His Grover Cleveland High School friend, Ted Watkins, celebrated his 90th this year.
Served In War
Burgio was born in Caldwell on Nov. 10, 1920. In 2009 he was one of a group of World War II veterans who entered the service from the West Essex area and still live here, who were honored as Parade grand marshals on Memorial Day.
JB was also honored for his lifetime contribution to amateur radio service by the American Radio Relay League-Hudson Division, encompassing most of the Northern United States. He has been an active amateur for more than 70 years with the handle, 'W2JB.'
With a degree in electrical engineering from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., Burgio worked for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) inspecting ship radios and transmitters. He taught electrical engineering at Temple University in Philadelphia.
As an Army lieutenant during World War II, Burgio served with the 977th signal battalion in Italy. Later he served in Greece setting up radio stations to report to Allied headquarters on election matters.
After the war he worked for RCA in Philadelphia and later was president of S.A. Burgio, a tire company in West Caldwell.
He has been involved in regional Ham radio organizations as an administrator, officer and communicator. He received a letter of commendation from the late Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater, who was active in Ham radio.
The letter was in response to Burgio's involvement in freeing two American civilian vessels being held for ransom in Indonesia in 1969.
He retired in 1980 and now uses his knowledge and experience to assist new 'Hams.'
'We wish JB good health and hope he will enjoy many more birthdays!' said Howard Tober of North Caldwell, who submitted this story.
(Source: The Progress (November 12, 2010))
90th Birthday