Mr. Burling was born May 5, 1927 in Byron, a son of the late John and Lydia (Schultz) Burling.
Jack served honorably with the Army and was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he served as Head Usher. He was also a board member of West Middlebury Cemetery Association, and a 50 year member of the Free & Accepted Masons, having been elevated to Master Mason. For many years he owned and operated Burling's Barber Shop in Batavia.
He loved fishing and had a boat called "Clipper-Jack" that he used to take out on Lake Ontario. Ice fishing was another favorite pastime. Jack also had a woodworking shop. He loved to make furniture and restore antiques. He was very proud to have made a grandfather clock for each of his grandchildren.
He is the husband of Bertie (Pruitt) Burling of Batavia. The two were married March 20, 1948 and spent 68 years together.
Surviving along with his wife is his daughter-in-law, Marlene Burling of Batavia, grandchildren, Preston (Tracy) Burling of Harrisburg, PA, Lyle (Sharie) Burling of Scranton, PA, and Christine (Greg) Smalley of Morrisville; a sister, Frances Burling of Batavia; nephews, John (Mary) Butler of Batavia, Jackson Butler of Batavia, and Daniel (Jeanie) Burling of Warsaw; great-nephews, James Burling, Jr., Marc Burling, and Richard Burling; a great-niece, Denise Burling O’Toole. 10 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren also survive.
He is preceded in death by his son, James A. Burling who passed away Dec. 26, 2013, and his brothers, George and James (late Joyce) Burling.
Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 190 Oak Street, Batavia, where Jack’s Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021. Burial will be in West Middlebury Cemetery, East Bethany. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.
