Richard "Nick" Burniske, husband of Penelope "Penny" Burniske, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at the age of 81.Nick was the proud father of four children: Vincent Burniske - Coral Gables, FL, Susan Diggs - Virginia Beach, VA, Brenda Thibault - Southampton, MA, and Richard "Buddy" Burniske Jr. who predeceased him. Other family members include Buddy's wife, Jackie and Brenda's husband, Steven along with 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Natives of Greenfield MA, Nick and Penny chose to raise their children in West Hatfield, MA, living there for over 37 years while Nick was working as an executive for Coca Cola Bottling Co.
Upon retiring, Nick and Penny split their time living in California and Massachusetts for six years before moving permanently to Oahu, Hawaii 18 years ago. Nick was extremely active and could be seen all over town riding his bicycle to play tennis, paddling on a canoe team or being a fill in for a softball game. He fell in love with the local climate and decided Oahu would be his permanent home. Nick felt blessed to have celebrated his 62nd wedding anniversary this year with Penny in Hawaii.
Due to the pandemic and his children all living on the US east coast, a 'Celebration of Nick's Life' will take place during Summer 2021, with arrangements still to be announced.
Family has requested in lieu of flowers donations in Nick's memory be sent to the Univ. of Hawaii scholarship fund set up in his son's name: Dr. R.W. "Buddy" Burniske Memorial Graduate Student Award Endowment at University of Hawaii https://giving.uhfoundation.org/funds/20473803
Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary
