Paul “Putt” Burkholtz passed away at home on August 4, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on August 16, 1950, at Spangler Hospital, he was the son of Matilda Kovacick and Gus Burkholtz.
A 1968 graduate of Penns Manor High School, he was an exceptional left-handed basketball player respected by teammates and opponents alike and finished his career as the school’s all-time leading scorer. After graduation, Paul continued playing basketball and softball in recreational leagues in Barnesboro and Carrolltown.
After high school, Paul held several jobs, including one at Greenwich Coal Mine. In early 1977, while working for John McCombie, he met his future wife, Kitcie McGee, and developed a close friendship with John, who taught him welding and excavating. Paul and Kitcie married on May 29, 1982, and founded Burkholtz Welding and Excavating the following year. In 2006, Paul launched Burkholtz Trucking to serve the oil and gas industry. His tireless work built successful businesses and many lasting friendships before he retired in 2015.
Paul lost his beloved Kitcie to cancer on October 17, 2000, and never remarried. Her loss deepened his devotion to his family, especially his young daughter, Ashley. He was a constant presence at her sporting events, offering advice from the stands or selling 50/50 tickets. Although he disliked traveling, he never missed one of her out-of-state AAU basketball tournaments. After his grandchildren were born, he devoted much of his time to them, delighting in watching them grow, cheering at their games, and sharing his passion for operating equipment. He was especially excited for the upcoming basketball season and deeply proud of all his grandchildren.
Paul regularly joined the “breakfast club” for morning gatherings at Pardee’s Route 240 restaurant. He enjoyed large cigars, always kept Snickers candy bars nearby, and was known for his generous heart and willingness to help others.
He is survived by his daughter, Ashley Woods, and her husband, Matthew, of Clymer; Paul Burkholtz and his wife, Deb, of Carrolltown; his twin sister, Pauline Gaston of Clymer; his sister, Mary Kay Paterno of Miami, Florida; his grandchildren, Brendon Burkholtz, Clara Henry, Cole Henry, Izabellah Woods, and Brady Woods; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by Kitcie Kathryn McGee, Margaret Cernik, Mike Burkholtz, and Gus Burkholtz.
Friends will be received on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 4 to 7 pm at the McCabe~Roof Funeral Home, 565 Franklin St. Clymer. Interment will be made in Hopewell cemetery, Frostburg, PA.
Online condolences may be made at www.mccaberooffh.com.
