Louis Burdell

Of Penn Twp., formerly of North Braddock, age 86, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025.

Born the son of the late Louis Burdell and the late Loretta (Burke) Burdell.

Beloved husband of Phyllis (Rausch) Burdell for 58 wonderful years.

Loving father of Melissa (Steve) Cassley of North Huntingdon and Chris (Nicol) Burdell of Harrison City.

Adored grandfather of Ava and Aaron Burdell, and twin grandchildren, Rachel and Jack Cassley.

Dear brother of the late Emil “Zip” Sapet and the late Toni Oberdick. Brother-in-law of Leonard Rausch and the late Norma Terza.

Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

Lew was proud to have been raised on Wolf Avenue in North Braddock, where he gained countless friendships and memories that lasted all his life.  He was a 1957 graduate of St. Thomas High School, and went on to attend Penn State University.  Lew then embarked on a career spanning over 50 years in the plastics manufacturing industry and held a host of managerial positions.  He retired from Carrera Corporation in 2005, and was soon after awarded “The John H. Parks Lifetime Achievement Award” by The Society of Plastics Engineers of Pittsburgh for his tenured and dedicated career in the profession. 

Lew was a faithful Catholic and member of the former St. William Church in East Pittsburgh, where he also served as a lector.  He was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and was pleased to have been a season ticket holder since the opening of Three Rivers Stadium until his death.  Lew loved the excitement of going to the games alongside his family and friends.  He was an avid reader and history buff, and in his early years he loved to bowl.  Lew’s most infectious trait was his personality.  He had a passion for filling a room with love and laughter, and a zest for life that will never be forgotten.

Friends are welcome on Monday from 2-7 p.m. at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 700 Linden Ave. at Cable, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112, (412) 824-8800.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church of St. Joseph the Worker Parish.  

Lew’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at both Westmoreland Hospital and the Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Greater Pittsburgh (Greensburg) for the excellent care they provided.