Bishop Edward Malesic celebrated the funeral Mass for Father Edward A. Burba on March 29 in St. Anthony of Padua Church, Akron. Father Frank Godic was the homilist.
Bishop Martin Amos, retired bishop of Davenport, Iowa presided at vespers for Father Burba on March 28 in St. Anthony of Padua Church. Father Paul Rosing was the homilist.
Father Burba, 75, died on March 23.
He was born June 21, 1949 to the late Edward and Helen (Dereska) Burba. Father Burba was educated at Mayfair Elementary School, East Cleveland; St. Clare School, Lyndhurst; Borromeo Seminary High School, Wickliffe; John Carroll University, University Heights; and Saint Mary Seminary, Cleveland.
Bishop James Hickey ordained him to the priesthood for service to the Diocese of Cleveland on June 14, 1975 in Holy Family Church, Parma.
Father Burba’s first assignment after ordination was as parochial vicar of St. Bede the Venerable Parish, Mentor. During this assignment, he served as council chaplain of Council 4801 of Don Bosco Council, Knights of Columbus, effective June 22, 1976. Father Burba was appointed parochial vicar of St. Sebastian Parish, Akron on June 24, 1980. He was transferred June 27, 1985 to serve as parochial vicar of Holy Cross Parish, Euclid. During this assignment, he served as emcee for Auxiliary Bishop Edward Pevec, effective Sept. 11, 1987. On June 19, 1990, Father Burba was appointed parochial vicar of St. Justin Martyr Parish, Eastlake. During this assignment, he served as administrator pro tem of St. Justin Martyr Parish from June 22, 1993 until July 26, 1993. Father Burba was appointed parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish, Bedford on June 21, 1994.
On Feb. 15, 1999, Father Burba was named pastor of St. Mary Parish, Akron. During this assignment, he served as presbyteral convener of the Summit South District (2003-2006).
He was transferred on July 3, 2010 to serve as parochial vicar of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Akron. On Oct. 1, 2013, Father Burba was named pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, where he served until his death..
Those who knew him said Father Burba was a kind and gentle soul who dedicated his priestly life in service to the people entrusted to his care. He was particularly kind and generous to the poor and struggling, often giving from his own resources to help those in need. His warm smile and kindness will be missed greatly.
Interment was at All Souls Cemetery, Chardon.