Gerard Thomas Burskey, Sr., “Coal Dog”, 73, Carrolltown, passed away April 15, 2024 at UPMC Altoona. He was born August 22, 1950 in Spangler, the son of Joseph and Anna (Gwizdak) Burskey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara Fletcher and Gloria Charney, brothers, David and Joseph Burskey and brother in law, Bob Mortensen. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Louise (Mortensen), children: Lori (Rick) Bouchelle, Elkton, MD; Gerard “Jerry” Jr., Carrolltown; grand-pup, Sadie Mae Hawkins, brother, Frank (Bonnie) Burskey; twin sister, Jeannie Stone; brother in law, Willard (Betty) Mortensen and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a graduate of Cambria Heights High School. He served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Jerry worked as a coal miner, a self-employed machinist and radiator repairman, a security guard at St. Francis University, painting railcars at Johnstown car shops, finally retiring from Ebensburg Power Company, where he was known as “Coal Dog.” He was a life member of the Carrolltown American Legion Post 506. Jerry enjoyed gardening, canning vegetables, smoking meats, including homemade bologna, listening to 60’s music and enjoyed many years of riding his Harley with a special group of friends. He made several violins and even made some of the tools he used to make them. Special thanks to all medical and emergency personnel who assisted Jerry during the past few weeks. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Family and friends will be received 2:00 to 6:00 pm, Sunday at Stevens Funeral Home, Inc. 146 North Main Street Carrolltown, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. Additional visitation will be held in the Boniface Wimmer Room of St. Benedict Catholic Church Monday from 9:00 am until the 10:00 am funeral Mass at the church, by Rev. Michael Gabler, OSB. Interment church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to John Carroll Ambulance Service, PO Box 368, Carrolltown, Pa 15722. Full military rites will be accorded by local veterans organizations. You may leave condolences at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or on our Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.