Monte Burchill Obituary

Monte Leroy Burchill, 85, husband of Diane Burchill, passed away at home on Friday, February 13, 2026. Born in Franklin, PA he was a son of the late Arthur Leroy Burchill and Marie Elizabeth Burchill (Heffernan).

Monte could fix anything, from cars to science projects to soap box derby racers. If it was broken, his hands and his engineer's mind would find a way. He passed away just shy of his 86th birthday, leaving a hole in the hearts of many.

Monte earned degrees in both mechanical and electrical engineering from Fenn College (now Cleveland State University). In his twenties and early thirties, he raced motorcycles. Competing on dirt track races across Ohio under the tag "1T". Few who knew him later would have guessed this. In his later years, Monte volunteered at the Salvation Army.

He began his career as a young engineer at General Electric and went on to lead engineering and manufacturing teams at Chase Brass & Copper and Guild International, earning numerous awards for his leadership and accomplishments in the field. In his executive office, tucked between the glass and mahogany of his conference table, were drawings made by his grandchildren. That was Monte.

He was a history buff with an encyclopedic knowledge of World War II. He knew details, dates, figures, ballistics, artillery. One of his favorite memories was touring the beaches of Normandy in France. He built model airplanes with precision and traveled the world with curiosity, visiting dozens of places across the United States and abroad. For several years, he and his wife traveled the world and wintered in Dunedin, FL, with dear friends.

Throughout his life he was guided by a strong moral compass and always had kind words and advice that reflected his beliefs. But those who knew him best remember not only his kind and generous heart, but they also knew him for the corny jokes that made him laugh harder than anyone else. The grandpa who got down on the floor to play monster, fireman, or whatever character the grandkids dreamed up that day. To friends, he was Monte. To his favorites, he was Gramps.

He and his beloved wife Diane retired to Simpsonville, SC, eight years ago, to escape the harsh Cleveland winters and to be close to their son, Jason, daughter-in-law, Cynthia and grandson, Colin.

Monte treasured Diane above all else. He loved her more than his own life. He protected her, cherished her, and in return, she loved and cared for him with meticulous, selfless devotion. Even as Parkinson's stole his ability to communicate, he could still find the words, often through tears, to say how wonderful his beautiful wife is.

Monte fought a heroic battle with Parkinson's disease, facing it with the same determination he brought to everything.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Marie Burchill. He is survived by his wife Diane (Danner) Burchill; children Michele Welsh (Robert) and Jason Burchill (Cynthia); grandchildren Grayson, Autumn, and Garrett Welsh and Colin Burchill; sister Mona Malliard (Jack); and nieces Cristina Hart and Monica Malliard.

Monte Leroy Burchill knew what mattered. And he showed and shared it every single day.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gentiva Hospice 750 Executive Center Dr #250, Greenville, SC 29615, or Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800 Miami, FL, 33131.