Jay Clarence Burckle, 90, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, in The Villages, Florida. He was born on May 11, 1936, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Jay graduated from Male High School in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1954. He completed his undergraduate studies in Electrical Engineering at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, and the University of Louisville, where he later earned his master’s degree in Physics. He also proudly served for three years in the Army National Guard.

After a brief career with Honeywell in West Palm Beach, Florida, Jay found the work that would become his life’s calling at Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania. He quickly advanced from Associate Professor to Chairman of the Physics Department. During his remarkable 38-year career, he served as department chair for 35 years, becoming both the youngest department chair in the college’s history at age 28 and its longest-serving.

While Jay’s professional accomplishments were many, he would have been the first to say that his greatest joy was teaching. He loved his students and took genuine interest in their lives. As a fraternity advisor, advisor to the Outing Club, and gracious host, he welcomed countless students into his home for dinners, conversation, and fellowship. Long after graduation, many stayed in touch and shared how deeply his encouragement, friendship, and steady presence had shaped their lives. He retired from Grove City College in 2000, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond the classroom.

Jay is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Thelma Burckle of Oxford, Florida; his son, Jeffery Burckle of Oxford, Florida; his daughters, Kimberly (Eric) Johnston of The Villages, Florida, and Lisa (Ken) Faris of Arlington, Virginia; his sister, Martha (Donald) Hillerich of Sarasota, Florida; his sister-in-law, Sherry Miller of The Villages, Florida; his grandchildren, Hillary (Ian) Moyer of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Madelaine Berche of The Villages, Florida, Chris Faris of Oxford, Florida, and Caitlin Faris of Arlington, Virginia; and his great-grandchildren, Duncan DeBoer, Alexandra Moyer, and Elias Moyer; as well as beloved nieces and nephews.

Jay was a man of deep faith whose life was marked by service to both his church and his community. Raised in the Lutheran Church in Louisville, he later was a longtime member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City, Pennsylvania, where he served as Church Council president, council member, was a member in the Young Married Club, and served in countless other ways whenever there was a need. Following retirement, he continued that same spirit of service at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sarasota, Florida, where he chaired the Property Committee, before becoming a member of Hope Lutheran Church in The Villages, Florida.

His heart for serving others extended beyond the church. Jay helped establish the ARC of Western Pennsylvania and devoted many years to its mission, serving in numerous leadership and volunteer roles.

Outside of work and service, Jay found joy in the outdoors, traveling, spending time with his family, and sharing life with his many friends. He was a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on.

Above all, Jay will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, mentor, and friend. His kindness, generosity, unwavering faith, and quiet dedication to others touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue through the family he loved, the students he inspired, and the many people who were blessed to know him.

A Memorial Service celebrating Jay’s life will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 250 Avenida Los Angelos, The Villages, Florida 32162 on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Reverend Donald J. Hillerich, D.D. A private family interment will be held at a later date.

Memorial Donations may be made to My Special Place, an upcoming residence in The Villages for the special needs community. Donations may be sent to: My Special Place, 333 Colony Blvd #177, The Villages, Florida 32162 or online at myspecialplacethevillages.com. Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.