Obituary of Burdette F. Gifford, Sr.

Burdette F. Gifford Sr., 86, of 2431 Keller Road Ashville, NY, passed away Monday morning, April 19, 2021, at UPMC Chautauqua after a brief illness with COVID-19. He was the widower of Mary L. Gifford whom he married August 28, 1954 and who died March 17, 2010. Burdette was born in Columbus, PA on July 16, 1934, one of five children of the late Burdette E. Gifford and Elizabeth S. Swiderski Hober. He was employed for 35 years by MRC Bearings, Inc. Burdette was an avid hunter and fisherman, regularly supplying his family and friends with local meat. He was famous for his smoked fish made in his homemade smokers. Burdette was a loyal Buffalo Bills fan and spent time on bowling leagues in the area. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family and cared about them dearly. Surviving are a daughter, Elizabeth D. Gifford of Jamestown; five sons, Randy (Wanda) E. Gifford; Burdette F. Gifford Jr.; Gene E. Gifford; Richard (Tara) N. Gifford; all of Jamestown; Matthew L. Gifford of Ashville; 23 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren. In addition to his wife Mary, he was preceded in death by three brothers: William E. Gifford, Victor A. Gifford and Merle Gifford; one sister: Anna May Butcher; and a granddaughter Rindy M. Gifford. Public visitation will be held Sunday, April 25, 2021 from 2-4pm at Lind Funeral Home where face masks must be worn and social distancing observed. A private service will be held. Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.lindfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 7023 or https://www.diabetes.org.