Alward V. Burch
January 6, 1935 ~ October 29, 2011
Alward Vincent Burch
Long-time principal of Bishop O'Connell High School of Vienna, Virginia died at age 76 on October 29, 2011. He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Donna, son Kenneth (Kelly); daughter Karen Avvisato (Frank); daughter Kristy Bergmann (Patrick); brother Melvin and sister Mary Ann Burch; six beloved grandchildren, Corey, Trevor and Natalie Burch, Sean Bergmann, Anthony and Kaylie Avvisato and many loved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; Martin and Mary, brothers; Robert and Kenny; sisters Edith Lamoureux and Agnes Santoro.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a memorial fund in Al's memory to benefit Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School. Contributions may be made to the Al Burch Memorial Fund at The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, 8283 Greensboro Drive, McLean, VA 22102 or donate online at CFNOVA.org. All contributions to the funds are tax deductable. Tax ID: 51-0232459.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Long-time principal of Bishop O'Connell High School of Vienna, Virginia died at age 76 on October 29, 2011. He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Donna, son Kenneth (Kelly); daughter Karen Avvisato (Frank); daughter Kristy Bergmann (Patrick); brother Melvin and sister Mary Ann Burch; six beloved grandchildren, Corey, Trevor and Natalie Burch, Sean Bergmann, Anthony and Kaylie Avvisato and many loved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; Martin and Mary, brothers; Robert and Kenny; sisters Edith Lamoureux and Agnes Santoro.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a memorial fund in Al's memory to benefit Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School. Contributions may be made to the Al Burch Memorial Fund at The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, 8283 Greensboro Drive, McLean, VA 22102 or donate online at CFNOVA.org. All contributions to the funds are tax deductable. Tax ID: 51-0232459.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Al always had a big smile on his face and that is how we will remember him. Paul knew him from St. John’s High School and Nancy from growing up in Anacostia. A wonderful friend for many many years. A wonderful person.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Family members. Coach Burch was my Freshmen Football Coach back in 1963. Back then it was the custom for the Varsity team to scrimmage the Frosh, so he led us around the South end of the school property to the street between Tuckahoe field and the O’connell football field. Then he led us in a charge back up the hill and out onto the field for our eventual mismatch with the upperclassmen. On our opening game against Jeb Stuart, Coach was driving the old blue bus and got lost trying to find the school to the point we almost missed the kick off time.
iwalmiss my verry much i help wah foot game wean ch for v game im goingto th sppingyou
We love you Uncle Al ~ you will always hold a very special place in our hearts. You lived your life as a beautiful reflection of God’s love here on earth. May you now rest in God’s loving arms in heaven.
Having lost my father @ the age of 5, I have encountered several “father figures” over the past 35 years. Without a doubt, the single most influential man in my life has been Al Burch. He was my godfather, my uncle, my coach, my friend, my advisor. He taught me not to give up on my dreams. He nursed me back to health after surgeries, and he shepherded me through the darkest times of my life. He was the most compassionate, most Catholic, and most resolute man that the Hall family has ever met. To Donna, Kenny (Kelly & children), Karen (Frank & children), & Kristy (Patrick & Sean): Having you all in my life is so very special to me, and to be able to call you my family is an honor. I love you all so very much, and I look forward to more terrific memories over the years to come. Love, -Rick
AL WAS A DEAR FRIEND OF MINE AND HE WILL BE MISSED. AL WAS A FIERCE BUT FAIR COMPETITOR WHO ASKED NO QUARTER AND GAVE NONE IN ANY SPORTING CONTEST IN WHICH HE WAS INVOLVED. BEING FROM GONZAGA,I CAN TESTIFY TO THE ABOVE. AL WAS AND IS RESPECTED AND LOVED AMONG HIS PEERS AND WILL BE SORELY MISSED BY ALL.
We shall never forget the great man, coach, and principal, he was to us and our daughter. The good times shared on the softball fields will always remain fond memories for us. God Bless, Brenda and Ed Dashkin
Al was my Principal of Dicipline from 1972-1974 and my kids Principal from 1995-1999. He was a tough yet compasionate man who often spoke of his wife and children who he loved very much. May God bless you in this difficult time.
May God bless you and your family. The Lord has said that one is known by the fruit one has produced. Having known you by the fruit you have produced we can say you are among the most honorable and excellent among men. God speed.
Dear Cousin, You lived a blessed life and shared so much love and joy with others. Our families were so close and I fondly remember our visits to V Street and your visits to our farm. The memories of those fun times are lovely and lasting. I am so glad to have you as part of the family and particularly glad that we got to see each other on the 4th of July. Love, Margie (Marjorie Lorraine as you Mom used to call me.)
Dear Cousin, You lived a blessed life and shared so much love and joy with others. Our families were so close and I fondly remember our visits to V Street and your visits to our farm. The memories of those fun times are lovely and lasting. I am so glad to have you as part of the family and particularly glad that we got to see each other on the 4th of July. Love, Margie (Marjorie Lorraine as you Mom used to call me.)
Mrs. Burch, Ken, Karen, Kristy, and family, My prayers to you at this time of loss. I am thankful to you all for sharing Al with the O’Connell family for so many years, and I’m especially thankful for the care attention he showed me while there. Tom
End of an era. Sincere condolences to the Burch family. Godspeed. Anne-Lisa Scheihing-Winters,PhD DJO ’83
I am sending you all prayers and love! Please know the Mr. Burch was soo loved and respected. I know I am a better person for having him as my principal.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Burch family! Your loss is shared by the OConnell HS family. We owe you a huge debt of gratitude for sharing him with us for 42+ years. Al Burchs legacy is tremendously impressive. He touched and positively influenced hundreds of lives. His priorities as a coach and principal, were focused on making it an enriching experience for the students. He pushed, motivated, and encouraged in an effort to help us achieve our potential. His greatest enjoyment was in seeing DJO graduates succeed in life. God Bless, Brian Culhane 76, Falls Church, VA
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Burch, Kenny, Karen, Kristy and the entire Burch Family at this very difficult time. Mr. Burch was so kind and welcoming to me when I transferred to O’Connell during the middle of my high school years. It always brings a smile to my face when I remember how I used to get called out of class to go to the “principal’s office”. When I would get to Mr. Burch’s office he would pull out a bat from behind his desk and give me a hitting lesson and sometimes throw in some pitching techniques as well. After some insturction he would send me back on my way to class. Thanks for everything, Mr Burch! You will be greatly missed! God Bless, Ivy Dashkin Zarbo(’88)
Al Burch, along with Darrell Synder, forged a bond with my employer. Arlington County Parks & Rec.,that endures to this day. He never missed one of his daughters softball games at Tuckahoe Park. Regardless of the final result he always made a point to stop by the parking lot to shake my hand and that of my officiating partner. A perfect mix of a fierce competitor and a true sportsman. He left footprints on the trail of life that the rest of us could easily follow on that journey. Thanks Mr. Burch and to your family for sharing him with us.
We met Mr Burch several times when our 3 children attended Bishop O’Connell and have good memories of him. “The light of stars does not die; it keeps on shining for eternity”. With our heartfelt sympathy to Mrs Burch, children and grandchildren. Guido & Hennie Deboeck & family
I was saddened to hear of Al’s death. I attended Mont. Jr. College with Al many, many years ago. Was happy to hear of his successes in life and how he positively influenced so many lives and his loving devotion to his family. The beauty of a life well lived is that it’s never forgotten. My sincere condolences to the Burch family.
Al and I played baseball and football together on the St. Teresa’s CYO teams. Al delivered the Evening Star newspaper in the neighborhood for years. He was a fierce competitor and always sportsmanlike. I extend my fervent prayers to the family.
I am so sorry for your loss. He will be in my prayers. The best years of my life were at djo and I remember Mr. Burch fondly! Jill Sims Class of ’87
The last time I saw Mr. Burch was at Fr. Luis funeral mass. He made it a point to tell my husband and I how proud he was of our family, and the way we had conducted ourselves over the many difficult years we spent in the legal system while seeking justice in our sons name. He said our family had been and would remain in his prayersand now he will be in ours. We will remember Al Burch, as a kind, caring and very charming gentleman…but more importantly, as a good and decent human being. We offer our most heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family. He will not be forgotten by us. God Bless him. Eternal Rest, Grant Unto Him, O Lord, And Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him, And May His Soul, And All The Souls of the Faithful Departed, Through the Mercy of God, Rest In Peach. Amen With Our Prayers… Mr. & Mrs. Culosi & Family
Robitailles and Burches go ‘way back to Anacostia and St. Teresa’s. There are a lot of shared memories, mostly good, but some heartbreaking. What a blessing Al’s life has been to countless people. Condolences to his siblings, immediate family and school community from Dorothy, Mary, John and Caryne Ellen.
While I never had the pleasure of knowing Al or the family, my husband Tom Cooke spoke of him and their days growing up in Anacostia. Tom pased away last year at this time. My heartfelt condolences to all of you. God Bless.
I saw Mr. Burch after mass at OLGC less than a week before his untimely passing. He shook my hand and I asked how he was doing and how he was enjoying retirement. He said he had 6 grandchildren who kept him busy. Mr. Burch was my first real boss, hiring me to teach Social Studies right out of college in 2001. I am grateful for the 2 years I spent teaching at O’Connell. Mr. Burch was a caring, forgiving Christian man and dedicated educator for so many decades. He will be missed and remembered by many for years to come. The Burch family remains in my thoughts and prayers. I’m honored to have known Mr. Burch, to have seen him from time to time at OLGC and to have been able to attend the beautiful funeral service for him.
Uncle Al, you were an amazing man. You taught me so much and really encouraged me to want to learn and grow. I will miss seeing your smile, but I know you will be watching over all of us.
My sincere condolences to Al’s family. Al was not only a teacher of mine at O’Connell, but my coach in baseball and basketball. I would consider Al one of the finest coaches I ever played for, a great leader, tremendous role model, both on and off the field, and friend. He was kind enough to come to both of my parents funerals, that’s the kind of caring person Al was. I found a picture of Al with our O’Connell 1969 baseball team. That’s how I will remember Al Burch. Thanks for everything Al.