William A. Burlingame of 462 Indiana Ave passed away Friday January 23, 2009 after a short illness.
Mr. Burlingame was born on August 3, 1927 in Olean to Herman and Ethel McIntosh Burlingame. On May 24, 1951 in Japan he married Masae Ishii who survives.
Mr. Burlingame retired from the U.S. Army as an E7 after serving 26 years from 1944 to April 1, 1970. Mr. Burlingame was truly a proud and patriotic man who fought for his country during WWII, Korean War and the Vietnam War. Mr. Burlingame was a highly decorated soldier and received numerous awards including the Silver Service Star, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal and Army of Occupation Medal of Germany and Japan. Mr. Burlingame also served as part of the burial ceremonies in Abilene for the late President Eisenhauer.
Mr. Burlingame was world traveler having lived all over the world and was currently spending a lot of his time with his daughter BJ and son-in-law in Japan. Mr. Burlingame loved all sports and was a die-hard Yankee, Buffalo Bills and Notre Dame fan. He also enjoyed bowling and had a great since of humor and always loved a good joke.
Surviving Mr. Burlingame are a daughter, BJ Burlingame and her husband Robert F. Kooij of Singapore; a nephew, William A. (Judy) Richardson of Lockport; two brothers, George (Judy) Burlingame of Ion, Ca. and Richard Burlingame of Bradford; five sisters, Audrey Hewitt of Ceres, NY., and Patricia Golden of Bradford, Joan Hogcett of Palatka, Fl., Rose Marie Burlingame of Smethport, Pa., and Catherine Hackett of Crescent, Fl.
Mr. Burlingame was pre-deceased by 5 brothers and 2 sisters.
Friends will be received on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM in the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State Street, Olean where funeral services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 at 2:00 PM The Rev. Gregory J. Dobson, Pastor of St. Mary of the Angels Church will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.