Obituary of Burton Edward Sacknoff

Burton Edward Sacknoff, born November 21, 1929 in Brooklyn, NY, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021 in Brooklyn, CT. He will be remembered as a sociable and fun loving person with a wonderful and signature style of humor. His passing will leave a hole in the lives of all who knew him. Along with his other achievements, interests, and unique qualities Burt will be remembered for his kind heart, his laughter, his curiosity for life and his love of family.
His love of planes and flying was ignited when he attended the Manhattan High School of Aviation Trades in NYC. This passion led him to the US Airforce, where he proudly served as a plane mechanic in Okinawa during the Korean war. After the war he attended West Coast University School of Engineering where he earned a certificate in Engineering Mathematics .
Burt was a design engineer and worked in aerospace including space shuttle design projects. He was a problem solver and often came up with inventive solutions to everyday problems. He was creative and had a passion for drawing and painting. Of his many interests, he especially enjoyed gardening and running. In 1985 Burt suffered a major heart attack while running the NYC marathon. Through strong will and determination, he returned only two years later andcompleted the full marathon – an achievement he, and his family, were very proud of. Burt was an animal lover and had many beloved pets over the years. He loved his family and the New York Yankees.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years Margaret (Mike) Sacknoff née Benson, his sister Barbara (Robin) Sacknoff of NYC, his sister-in-law Marylyn Sackett of Oregon; his children Joy Mark and her husband Mark Szantyr of Mansfield, CT, Carol Coley and her husband David of Columbia, CT, Donna Sacknoff and her partner Cranston Valentine of New Orleans, LA; grandchildren Molly and her husband Michael of Coventry, CT, Brian and his wife Julie of San Diego, CA, Kelly and her partner John of Mansfield, CT, Adam and his fiancé Claire of Willington, CT, Rachel of Columbia, CT; and great-grandchildren Juliet, Gianluca, Leonardo, Sicilia (expected by April), Olivia (with whom he shared a birthday), Cassidy; nieces Jamie, Carrie, and Cathy; and nephews Marc and Bob. Burt recently met a long lost relative, Laurie, and he was very happy to have met her.
Burt was predeceased by his mother Lillian Sacknoff, father Stanley (Sam) Sacknoff and Sam’s second wife Fay, his brother Maurice Sacknoff, his niece Tray Glasser, and his only son Gerald (Jerry) E. Sacknoff.
He will be so missed by his family and friends. The family would like to thank the caring nurses and all the wonderful non-medical staff at his residence, Pierce Baptist Home in Brooklyn, CT, who were always looking out for him and would also like to thank the compassionate nurses at Day Kimball Hospital especially Misty, we are eternally grateful for your kindness.
There will be no service at this time, but the family will plan a celebration of Burt’s life when it is again safe to do so. For now in his memory, raise a glass. He would like that.
If you would like to make a donation in Burt’s honor please consider the American Nurses Foundation Coronavirus Response Fund for Nurses at www.nursingworld.org/ click Donate Online or to the animal rescue group at NECCOG
www.neccog.org/animal-services/how-to-help/ click Donate.
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