Donald Alan Burkholder

Donald Alan Burkholder

Donald Alan Burkholder, 73, of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Abington-Jefferson Health, Abington, PA.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 27, 1951, Donald (Don) was the beloved son of the late Dolores (Trussell) and William Burkholder, Sr. He is survived by his husband, Berry Chamness, brother William Burkholder, Jr. (Paula), daughter Gretchen Burkholder, son Paul Burkholder (Adrienne), granddaughters Meghan Angove (Josh), Courtney Schmidt, Cari Schmidt, Charlie Burkholder, and Parker Burkholder, as well as great-grandsons Ronan Angove and Rhys Angove and was predeceased by his daughter Krista Burkholder.

Don graduated with a B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College in 1974, and as a natural salesman, Don then was a sales representative for Republic Steel. Don was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of trains, both toy and “real”, particularly of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and he opened his own hobby store in 1986 in Southampton, PA. In 1999, Don and Berry opened a toy and hobby store in Center City Philadelphia where they both enjoyed having Don’s son Paul work with them there. Don later bought and sold trains on eBay and repaired trains for clients.

Don was incredibly smart, quick-witted and naturally funny, fearless, and he didn’t suffer fools gladly. He was a political “junkie” and could argue politics better than almost anyone. He was fiercely loyal to his friends and family, and he loved Christmas and the Christmas season as much as he did as an 8-year old. He will be deeply missed.

A memorial service/celebration of life is being planned for the summer.

Condolences may be offered to the family through the website www.meyersfh.com.