BURGER – Clair C., 92, Laurel View Village, Davidsville formerly of Riverside, went home to be with the Lord January 9, 2017. He was born June 6, 1924 in Johnstown and raised in Blue Knob. Son of James Samuel and Rebecca Mae (Over) Burger. Preceded in death by parents, wife of 67 years Mildred Melvina Mel (Laughner) Burger September 10, 2014, infant twin brothers Merle and Earl, brothers Luther (Catherine) and Alva (Eilene) and sister-in-law Shirley Laughner. Survived by loving children David, Dayton, OH and Debbie wife of Brian Shoff, Johnstown; grandsons Jeremy Shoff, his wife Megan and Jesse Shoff, his fianc Jessica and a great-granddaughter to be born in April. Also survived by nieces and nephews Jim (Sue) Burger, Rick (Diana) Burger, Judy (Eldon) Daugherty, Darlene McCabe, and Donna (Allan) Stombaugh and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Clair, a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and a graduate of Coyne Electrical School, Chicago, IL, met the love of his life, Mel, at a square dance in Johnstown and married her on August 2, 1947. He was a retired electrician for Bethlehem Steel Corp., Rod & Wire Division, Johnstown. Clair was former member of Riverside Volunteer Fire Company and Stoneycreek Township Zoning Board. He was a member of Davidsville Community Church (formerly Riverside Grace Brethren Church), which he helped build and wire and was a trustee and usher. Clair also built his familys home in Riverside and rebuilt it after the 1977 flood. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, grandsons, nephews, the Seth family, and good friend (and fishing buddy) Bernie. Clair was passionate about gardening and sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors and friends, while he andMel loved canning and freezing the food to enjoy during the winter. Clair had a talent for poetry, some of which he framed and shared with others, including adoring poems he wrote in cards to Mel. He had a special bond with his children and grandchildren who brought enormous joy to his life. Despite a near-death military accident at 19 and several serious illnesses through the years, Clair was blessed with a full life that he devoted to serving God his Lord and Savior. He will be fondly remembered for his kindness, thoughtfulness and willingness to help others. The family would like to thank ALL of the dedicated staff and caregivers at Laurel View Village and Pastor Jeffrey Bassette. A huge thank you to Dr. Ellenberger and to Interim Hospice for the special care given to Clair. Viewing will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday at Hoffman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 109 Church Road, Davidsville with a viewing also on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of service 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor H. Don Rough presiding. Interment 2:30 p.m. Saturday with military honors at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Blue Knob. Donations in Clairs memory may be sent to the We Care Fund at Laurel View Village. To express condolences, make a donation, light a candle or order flowers, visit HoffmanFuneralHomes.com.

Johnstown Tribune-Democrat
January 12, 2017