Henry "Hank" Burwinkel, Jr.

On Monday, July 18, 2022, Henry (“Hank”) Burwinkel, Jr., loving husband and father of seven children, passed away at the age of 87, just shy of his birthday.

Hank was born on July 20, 1934 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Henry and Edith (Millard) Burwinkel.  His mother passed when Hank was young and his father remarried Mary Burwinkel.  Hank met Maryann Fermann, the love of his life, while he was at Purcell High School; they married on May 14, 1955 and raised seven children.  Their loving marriage was one for the story books, lasting 65 years, and still deeply in love with each other until Maryann’s death in late 2020.

Professionally, Hank was an independent contractor, carrying on the Norwood family business.  He was also active in Norwood Democratic politics, serving as a councilman for many years.  Hank later became the Building Commissioner for the city of Norwood, then the city of Montgomery, where he remained until his retirement.

He and Maryann converted their beloved Norwood home into a bed and breakfast, The Empty Nest.  For ten years, Hank and Maryann delighted in opening their home to guests, who became dear friends. After 46 years in Norwood, they moved to Hyde Park where they continued to be active volunteers and good neighbors.

Hank was committed to his Catholic faith, first as a parishioner of the former St. Matthew’s Church in Norwood, and then at Bellarmine Chapel, on the campus of Xavier University.  He was active at both parishes, volunteering with the church throughout his life. It wasn’t always visible roles, but generous acts of kindness, such as making home repairs for a parishioner or delivering bread to the needy. With Maryann by his side, Hank lived by the motto, “Those to whom much is given, much is expected.”

In his later years, Hank was an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity where he was the site manager for several homes.  He volunteered with many different organizations, but his work most often involved a tool belt around his waist.

While he may have been very serious about work and family, Hank loved to play practical jokes and have fun.  He was always quick with his wit and quietly left people in stitches, with his subtle side remarks.  He genuinely was interested in talking to people and made friends everywhere he went.

Hank suffered from Parkinson’s disease in his later years and moved to the Barrington of Oakley, for his twilight years.  He was cared for by many wonderful nurses and aides, for which the family is truly grateful.

Hank leaves behind a large family that adored him, including 7 children and their spouses: Paul and Kathy Burwinkel, Edie Schmidt, Chip and Ginny Burwinkel, Beth and Bob Meyung, Susan and Mark Bolin, Dan and Angela Burwinkel, and Julie and Tom Palermo; and his many grandchildren and their spouses, Matt (Keeley) Burwinkel, Ben (Shelby) Burwinkel, and Nick (fiancé Claire Sadowski) Burwinkel, Anna Schmidt, Kristi (Jim) Goshdigian, Bridget Schmidt, and Adam Schmidt, Amy (Chris) Stamper, Stephanie (Luke) Resczynski, Kevin (Becca) Burwinkel, Kyle Burwinkel, Sarah Meyung, Tim (Mallorie) Meyung, Samantha (Luke) Combs, David Meyung, Zero Meyung, Emily Bolin (fiancé Teddy Meyers), Mitchell Bolin, Andrew Bolin, Will Bolin, Francis Burwinkel, Perseus Burwinkel, Thomas Palermo, Nate Palermo, and Jack Palermo.  Hank also leaves behind sixteen great grandchildren.  Hank is survived by his two sisters, Alice (Tom) Mitter and Nancy (John) Geary; Maryann’s siblings including Harry (Carol) Fermann, and Barb (Gary) Steinkuhl.  Hank was preceded in death by his sisters Betty (Dick) Heideman, Eileen (Charles) Hagedorn, and brother-in-law Tom Mitter.

Hank’s life will be celebrated at a funeral mass at Bellarmine Chapel on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at Xavier University.  Donations may be sent to Bellarmine Chapel, 3800 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45207, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, 4910 Para Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45237, or a charity of your choice.

Hank’s funeral will be live streamed. Attached is the link so you can send it to friends and family.                            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTrJ-F9TvSo