Thomas Burkley

Thomas E. Burkley age 83 of Akron, Ohio passed away Monday, March 28, 2016 at Kobacker Hospice House in Columbus, Ohio. Tom was born on June 8, 1932 in Akron to the late Clement and Theresa Burkley. Preceded in death by his brothers John, Ralph and Clement; sister Margaret and sister-in-law Dorothy Reynolds; he is survived by his wife of 58 years Marjorie Ann Wozniak Burkley; daughter Margaret 'Peggy' Keller and her husband William; son Thomas E. Burkley, Jr.; grandsons Benjamin and Matthew Keller; granddaughter Paige Burkley; sisters Mary Ann Wojno and Rosalind Maher; sisters-in-law Mary Jean (William) Hinkle and Ellen (John) Shacklett and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. He graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in mechanical engineering. Tom retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company after 42 years of service. He was granted numerous patents on air spring inventions during his long career with Goodyear. Following in his father's footsteps, he also received the Dinsmore Merit Award in 1968 for his original thinking and cooperative action in developing a better product. Tom also was inducted into the Inventor's Hall of Fame. Tom was a member of Saint Sebastian parish, where he was one of two founding collection counters. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Friends may call from 4-7pm Friday, April 1 at Hummel Funeral Home. 500 E. Exchange St. Akron, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, April 2, 2016 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 476 Mull Ave, Akron Ohio. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to St. Sebastian Church Foundation, Ohio Health Hospice/Kobacker House P.O. Box 600001 Columbus, Ohio 43272, or American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123. Please visit www.hummelcares.com to share memories or condolences.