Dr. Sandy L. Burkart, PT, PhD, renowned physical therapist and educator, passed away March 13, 2024, at the age of 80.
He was born Sept. 23, 1943, in Reading, Pa., to Elenore and Paul Burkart.
Sandy was born as part of a surprise set of twins with his sister, Sandra. From the start, he and his sister kept his parents and older brother, Richard, on their toes. Always up for adventure, he lived a life marked by accomplishment and service, leaving a lasting mark on the hearts of those who knew him. After years of living in Florida, Sandy returned to the place he always loved and considered home, to spend his last days surrounded by beloved friends and family in Morgantown.
Sandy’s journey was one of dedication and excellence in all aspects of his life, from clinical work to humanitarian projects. His academic pursuits led him to obtain an undergraduate degree from East Stroudsburg University and a physical therapy degree from the University of Pennsylvania. These academic pursuits laid a strong foundation for his career. This was also a time that he formed many friendships that lasted for decades — the most important being with his best friend, John Petronis, and his wife, Barbara. Sandy dreamed of achieving a PhD in anatomy, which brought his young family to West Virginia University (WVU). Sandy joined as founding faculty for the division of Physical Therapy, while Barbara became one of the first female pediatric physical therapists in the state.
As a faculty member, and eventually the chair of the division of Physical Therapy, Sandy was not only a mentor, but also a trailblazer. He contributed to his field with unwavering commitment. His work at WVU resulted in him being awarded the American Physical Therapy Association’s Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award and allowed him to travel around the nation and internationally as a speaker and educator on Orthopedic Physical Therapy. His work extended beyond the classroom, as he engaged on the local level to bring equitability for people with disabilities and to increase access to physical therapy care to the people of West Virginia. He was also a proud leader on both the state and national level for various healthcare organizations.
Sandy’s passion, clinically and in teaching, was in orthopedics, and he was integral in the creation of the Orthopedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association and certification of advanced clinical competency and specialization. He was the second president of the Orthopedic Section and held a leadership position for six years. He held great pride in the fact that the Orthopedic Section and the Orthopedic Specialization are both the largest in the APTA.
Those who worked with Sandy will remember him as a man whose intellect was matched only by his creative spirit. He approached challenges with a unique blend of innovation and practicality, which inspired him to begin working on the international level to improve human conditions in Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Sierra Leone and Guatemala. Working through Rotary International, he helped to equip medical clinics, increase access to healthy food and clean water, to improve care for children with HIV and to build digital classrooms. His passion for this work was infectious, and he had the rare ability to quickly incite the same excitement and hope in others.
Sandy’s life was rich not only in academic and professional achievements, but also in love and family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara A. Burkart, who was his partner in all aspects of life. Together, they built a family that includes their daughter Jennifer L. Burkart, her husband Joerg Pohlmann, and their son Quinn; their daughter Megan A. Burkart; and Jermaine M. Brantley, his wife Talia, and their sons Lucca and Russo. He held great pride in the achievements of his family and each member carries a piece of Sandy’s spirit, from his intellectual curiosity to his creative passions. He is also survived by countless friends, exchange students and Rotarians that the family welcomed into their home and hearts.
Sandy’s legacy is one that will be felt for generations. He was a man who lived his life with purpose and who sought to empower others to reach their full potential. His absence will be felt deeply by those who knew him, but the impact of his work and the memories he created will continue to resonate.
The family will hold a celebration of his life in late July 2024, honoring the man who was not only an esteemed professional, but also a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
The family is grateful for the wonderful care that he received from Dr. Andrea Labus and other caregivers at WVU Medicine. They especially want to thank Dr. Laura Davisson and countless other friends who provided him with so much love and support during his last days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sierra Leone Rising sierraleonerising.org/donate)
For several years Sandy was actively raising funds for projects in Sierra Leone and asked his family to continue his mission.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Care and SFCC Crematory of Westover/Morgantown (304-292-9494) is providing care and guidance to the Burkart family.
Condolences:
smithfcc.com.
