Jack Burbach 1938-2024

He was born March 15, 1938, in Cleveland, to Jack and Mary Schlegal Burbach.

When he was a young child, his family moved to Auburn, Ohio, and he attended Auburn Elementary and graduated from Kenston High School in 1956.

Jack married Elizabeth Magyar on March 30, 1963; they enjoyed 60 beautiful years of marriage. Jack and Betty resided in West Farmington for 50 years, where they raised their three children — Jacqueline (Tim) Mitton, Kathryn Amato (Jim Baginy) and Steven (Jody) Burbach. Together, they had eight grandchildren, Amber (Josh) Ingerham, Taylor Amato (Carlie), Emily (Joe) McFalls, Brandy (Ethan) Thompson, Victoria Amato, Jack Mitton, Steven (Elizebeth) Burbach and Michael Burbach. Jack leaves 10 beautiful great-grandchildren. Jack also is survived by his sister, Barbara “Boots” Nailler, her children and grandchildren, and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by both his parents; his in-laws; and his aunts and uncles.

Jack had many occupations throughout his life: joining the Ohio Army National Guard; owning a gas station in Welshfield, Ohio; and owning his own trucking company. He also was an avid farmer and worked in the oil and gas drilling business. Jack and Betty owned and operated Burbach Family Concessions for over 50 years, beginning in 1973; they traveled throughout Ohio, North and South Carolina and Florida with their mobile food concession business. Jack’s most rewarding titles were husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, “Papa” or “Grandpa Jack.”

Jack received many awards throughout his concession career: in 2011, he was presented with the Outstanding Achievement in Food through the Greater Ohio Showmen’s Association; in 2013, Jack and Betty were the Farmington Festival Grand Marshals; and in 2015, Jack and Betty were inducted into the Lake County Hall of Fame.

Jack had met many friends along his travels that became family; he gave a lot of people their first job or opportunity, working with him and Betty in their concession business. He loved everything his family was involved in. He enjoyed dirt track racing, attending his yearly Auburn Alumni Banquet and looked forward to seeing many friends from throughout his life; whatever the event, they would be able to catch up where they left off.

Jack donated his body to the Cleveland Clinic body donation program for the advancement of medical science for ALS / Kennedy Disease.

At Jack’s request, no services will be held. However, in his memory, donations may be made to the ALS Association in Independence, Ohio; the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County; The Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull County fairs; or The Geneva Grape Jamboree.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date by his family.

(special notice)