George “Bill” William Burgoon, 83, of Gilbertsville, PA, went home to be with his Lord, Jesus Christ, December 15, 2021.
Born August 11, 1938, to George R. and Sara Burgoon (both deceased) in Altoona, PA. He graduated from Altoona High School in 1956 and entered the U.S. Navy shortly thereafter. He served from 1956 – 1977 and retired as Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9). Served on U.S.S. Hale DD-642; U.S.S. Randolph CV-15; Damneck, VA Naval Station; U.S.S. Koelsch DE-1049; Newport, RI Naval Station; and lastly as Master Chief Petty Officer of Command on the U.S.S. Virginia CGN-38. He received the following medals and awards: Good Conduct (5), Navy Achievement, Navy Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
After retirement from the Navy in July of 1977, he moved to Lancaster from Newport News, VA to attend Lancaster Bible College and he graduated in 1981. He was employed at International Signal & Control and Ferranti International from 1981 to 1989 as Logistics Manager and the Bionetics Corporation from 1989 to 2001 as Operations Manager and Logistics Consultant.
During his 35 years in Lancaster, he served in various churches in Lancaster County. Upon retirement from the Bionetics Corporation in 2001 he joined the staff at NewSong Fellowship Church as Director of Strategic Development and Special Assistant to the Pastor where he was also a founding elder since 1998. He also served as Director of Finance, Small Group Leader, SOD Teacher, Remodeling Coordinator, Men’s Mentor, and volunteer teacher and preacher at Lancaster County Prison. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church when His Lord called him home.
He was Vice President of Road Warrior Ministries Inc. a non-profit organization with a vision to reach occupational drivers with the traditional basic truths of the Bible and help them to grow in their faith.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, one daughter Cheryl and husband Patrick Gaynor, two sons, Glenn C. and Brian R. and wife Robin Burgoon all of Lancaster. Two sisters, Joan McMillan of Stephentown, NY and Wanda Howard of Rumford, ME; one brother David of Rumford, ME. He has 10 grandchildren Amber Akin, Lauren Procopio, William Burgoon, Jonathan Burgoon, Ariana Burgoon, Colin Burgoon, Ethan Burgoon, Alicia Burgoon, Bella Burgoon and Hugo Burgoon. Bill has 3 great grandchildren Kylee Akin, Declan Akin and Luca Procopio.
There will be a home-going celebration at Grace Baptist Church, 447 County Line Rd., Gilbertsville, PA 19525, conducted by Pastor Adam Breiner on Tuesday December 28, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 10:00-10:45 AM at the church. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please designate any memorial gifts to Grace Baptist Church to reach out to local community at 447 County Line Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525.