Donald Burden

Donald Vincent Burden was the last of six children: Ruth Alexander, Patricia Dennis, Frank Burden Jr., Audrey Fincher and Oliver Burden. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 17, 1940, to the late Frank Tillman Burden and Frances Elizabeth Law Burden. Donald graduated from Schenley High School. Before settling on a profession, he worked as a Nursing Assistant for the VA Hospital, a Laboratory helper at the University of Pittsburgh’s Scaife Hall and a cook at Mercy Hospital. Because he loved fixing radios and desired a job in electronics, Donald decided to attend a technical school to become an electrical worker. There he met Lou who would become a lifelong friend and colleague. In different programs they agreed to share what each learned expanding their knowledge. One of Donald’s first jobs was the Sunbeam Corporation. He joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He eventually worked for the City of Pittsburgh 911 Communications Department. There he was responsible for repairing 911 equipment. At age 65, he retired and became a very in-demand independent contractor until his illness. Donald was somewhat a solitary man with a generous heart. When family and friends had home maintenance problems, if he could fix it, he would. If he couldn’t, he would usually use his network to find someone. Donald would usually show up to make sure the job was done right.

Donald was a steadfast Pittsburgher. In 81 years, he never traveled outside of the city except to Rochester, PA. He lived in his family home for more that sixty years until his death. He was a brother, uncle, friend, and neighbor you could depend on. Will miss him. Donald will be remembered by nieces; Marcia Hughes, Ebony Hughes, Crystal Banks and Carol Fincher; nephews, James Hughes and Gregory Fincher; grand nieces, Christina Wolf, Kesi Howard, Qianna Banks and Chekesha Fincher; grand nephews, Ahmed Bey and Gregory Fincher Jr.; great nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends. 

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