Richard J. Burkholder, 78, of Scottdale (East Huntingdon Township), passed away at 10:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, in Independence Health System's Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg. Rick was born June 24, 1945, in Irving, N.J., a son of the late Eugene and Mildred (Weisgerber) Burkholder Barber. Rick was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He graduated from Connellsville High School, Class of 1963, and was employed as a supervisor with PA American Water Company for over 30 years. He was a longtime member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge No. 777 in Scottdale and played trumpet with the Molinaro Band. Rick mentored his granddaughter with his musical talent on the trumpet. A veteran of the Army, he proudly served his country during the Vietnam Conflict as a tank commander. He was also a recipient of a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medals, in addition to many other commendations. Rick was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed hunting, fishing and was an excellent marksman. Rick will be sadly missed by his loving family: his wife, Gail F. (Brooks) Burkholder; sister, Mary Jane Andrews; sister, Diane and Mark Helms; and sister, Sally Bradford; his son, Lance and Joy Burkholder; his granddaughters, Breanne and Bailey Burkholder; his son, Mark and Ginger Van Bibber,; his daughter-in-law, Theresa Van Bibber; his son, Eric and Misty Van Bibber Mollett; his son, Bruce and Marsha Van Bibber; his stepsons, Shawn Prolenski, CJ Prolenski and Dylon Prolenski; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rick is also survived by special family in Louisiana. Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred (Weisgerber) Burkholder Barber; his father, Eugene Burkholder; his father, Edgar Barber; his wife, Betty (Zinkan) Van Bibber Burkholder; his son, Keith Van Bibber; his grandson, Alexander Van Bibber; his brother-in- law, Danny Andrews; and his brother-in-law, Phil Bradford. Personalized arrangements are under the professional supervision of the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 SPRING ST., SCOTTDALE (www.fergusonfunerals.com). Family and friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Friday with Pastor Mark Van Bibber officiating. Graveside committal service and interment will be in Green Ridge Memorial Park, Bullskin Township, with full military honors bestowed by the Mount Pleasant American Legion Post. Memorials may be made to: Aging warriors in memory of Rick. The Scottdale BPO Elks Lodge No. 777 will hold a memorial service in the funeral home at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. Love Lasts Forever!