Obituary of Harry W. "Skip" Burnham

Harry "Skip" Burnham, age 77, of Penn Yan, NY passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at the Keuka Comfort Care Home. Skip was born in Windsor, VT on August 22, 1947 to the late William Burnham of Hammondsport, NY and the late Constance Burnham of Windsor, VT.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by a brother, John Burnham.

His family was his joy, and his pride. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirl at home; daughter Carmen of Bath, NY; son Chad (Molly) of Penn Yan, NY; and his second family, Scott (Holly) Manning of Bath, NY and Ncik (Kit) Burnham of Harland, VT – whom he thought of as his sons. He was a proud grandfather of three granddaughters: Jaden, Kayla and Rylee – all of whom spent their summers as children on Seneca Lake, where he enjoyed them immensely. He is also survived by a brother Buzz (Patty) of WA, sister Joan (John) of GA; and stepsisters Sally (Larry) Karr of Coopers Plains, NY and Carla Plitt (Frank) of Hanover, PA.

Skip attended Windsor High School and then graduated from Avoca High School in 1965, after he had travelled to NY in his teenage years. After graduation, he went directly into the Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he was a Crew Chief on a C-130 plane. Six years later, he returned to the Avoca area to raise a family and work as a vineyard supervisor at The Taylor Wine Co. for 20 years. Skip loved the vineyards, the lakes, and the outdoors. He enjoyed the beautiful farms of the area and cultivated friendships with the Mennonites, especially the Zimmerman family. His happy times were spent hunting and fishing, and he loved to talk to people and tell stories. We must not forget how he loved a good game of cards! Skip had an unbeatable passion for life and he always saw the good side of a bad situation. He lived each day to the fullest. He and his wife Shirl loved to travel, and saw the United States with their RV several times. They also travelled back and forth to Florida for 30 winters, enjoying the sunshine and teaching ballroom dancing while there. Many lasting friendships were formed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 11:00am, at the Bluff Point United Methodist Church,3044 Kinneys Corners Rd., Keuka Park, NY 14478. Music, verse and stories will be shared. Memorial donations may be made to the Keuka Comfort Care Home, 35 State Route 54, Penn Yan, NY 14527 or to the Bluff Point United Methodist Church.