Alex B. Burgin, Sr.

Alex Buntin Burgin Sr passed away peacefully on February 5, 2024 at Greenridge Village in Newville, PA.  Born to Dr. Walter H Burgin Sr. and Wilhelmina B Burgin in Harrisburg, PA on 12/30/1938, he grew up in New Cumberland, PA until continuing his education at Mercersburg Academy.  Alex excelled in track and football and graduated from Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, PA. in 1957.  After football injuries, Alex discovered a love for rugby at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH and graduated in 1961 with a BS in Sociology.  

After college, Alex and his family, then two children with one of the way, moved to South Bend, IN where he worked for Wheelabrator Corporation and developed his interest in the foundry business.  His family grew with one more child in his first marriage and two more in his second marriage.  He continued his work in the foundry business which took him to Sewickley PA, Charlotte NC, Wheaton IL, Charlotte NC, Fort Wayne IN and finally settling in Plymouth, IN.  Using his focused “go getter” attitude to master expertise in the foundry industry, Alex founded and built his company, Metalcast Inc, in Plymouth, IN providing engineering, design, fabrication and installation of equipment for custom built foundry automation systems.  For over 25 years, Alex was a force focused on his customers and his company “family”.

Alex continued to play rugby until a torn achilles forced him off the pitch. But he continued to coach and participate in traditional rugby festivities.  Toward the end of his career, he bought his first Harley Davidson motorcycle and retired with a new love.  In true Alex fashion, he became focused on his love of motorcycles and owned at least five bikes, all Harley Davidsons except for a very special classic Indian. In his retirement his bikes received special attention and he took numerous cross-country rides including the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Daytona Bike Week, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Mount Rushmore, and Black Hills.  He took many rides with his group of riding enthusiasts, his son Alex and good friend Norm.  

Alex had a lively personality and somewhat off-color sense of humor.  Sometimes without intending to offend and indeed sometimes intending to offend, he enjoyed actions and statements to cause family and friends groans and eye rolls (aka stirring the pot).  It is a certainty that friends and family will continue to reminisce about the outrageous actions and words of Alex that will forever bring smiles and laughter.

Alex was predeceased by first wife Suzanne Strayer (div.) and second wife Diane Kelsch (div.).  Alex is survived by four daughters: Deborah L. Block (Michael) of Carlisle, PA, Lisa Burgin Vaccarelli (Jay) of Media, PA, Micki Burgin Paxton (Dave) of Carlisle, PA and Mimi Truex of Indianapolis, IN; son: Dr. Alex B Burgin, Jr. (Pamela) of Boston, MA; grandchildren: Jason Vaccarelli (Katie), Jodi Comunale (Fred), Ryan Burgin, Britney Burgin (Dan), Alex “Lex” B Burgin III (Kyra), Grace Burgin, Alison Jeffirs, and Jackson Truex; great grandchildren: Lia, Vincent, Ayden, Addy, Elliott, and Johanna; close family: Mary Spanos, Tommy Spanos, Jonathan Spanos, Althea Novak, Scott Novak, Sophia Novak, John McKeehan, Sherry McKeehan; brother: Dr. Walter H Burgin Jr. (Barbara); nieces: Christine Burgin (William), Jennifer Burgin; great nephews and nieces: Atlas, Lola, Luke (Mollie) and Reed.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service to be held Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, Ltd., 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle, Pa.  Visiting hours 10 - 11 AM with a Memorial Service at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/489725/#!/donation/checkout