Harold Paul “Scotty” Burbage, 87

Harold Paul “Scotty” Burbage, 87, of Aston Township, went home to be with the Lord Friday, November 6, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Scotty was a lifetime member of Green Ridge Fire Company and served as its Fire Chief for several years. He was also actively involved with the Delaware County Fire Police and was a graduate of the Delaware County Fire School. Scotty served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 through 1948. He was active for many years with the Aston Historical Society and was always readily helping others, including being a regular blood donor. He was employed at Scott Paper, where he acquired his nickname and Sinclair Refinery where he survived a boiler room explosion in the 50’s. Among other jobs, he was also employed by Reynolds Metal, Elser & Diviney Excavating Co., Blue Line Trucking and Keystone Printing Ink, from which he retired in 1993. Scotty was married to Marguerite Navin Burbage for 30 years until her death in 1981. He then married their mutual friend, Virginia Bryan Elser and they enjoyed almost 30 years of marriage. Scotty and Virginia created many happy memories with family and friends, especially at their summer home in Cape May, NJ. Scotty loved being outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed numerous deep sea fishing excursions on the Miss Chris in Cape May. He spent countless hours on the beach, and, in his later years, sitting on a picnic bench simply admiring the beauty of the sky.

Scotty was predeceased by his brother, Robert Burbage and his granddaughter Ashley Elser. In addition to his wife, Virginia, Scotty is survived by his brother, Norman Burbage, sons, Gary Burbage (Lora), Daniel Burbage, Timothy Burbage (Virginia), and his daughter, Patricia Luis. He is also survived by sons, Paul Elser (Laura) and Mark Elser (Cathy), and daughters, Lynn Schriver (Allan), Gail Hand (Raymond), Susan Schuck, Karen Stay (late Joseph), and Joyce Shellem (late Peter). “PopPop” adored his brood of 32 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation 9:45-10:45 AM Wednesday at the Church of St. Joseph, 3255 Concord Rd, Aston, PA 19014, with Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will immediately follow at St. Thomas the Apostle in Glen Mills. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Scotty may be made to the Aston Township Fire Company (formerly Green Ridge Fire Company), 2900 Duttons Mill Rd, Aston, PA 19014. www.whiteluttrell.com

Published in The Daily Times from Nov. 9 to Nov. 10, 2015.