Philip Ard Burghart

Philip Ard Burghart, 83, of Cape Charles, a former resident of Franklin Lakes, NJ, passed away on January 29, 2010. Born on Staten Island, NY, to Herman and Marion Martens Burghart, he proudly served in the Second World War achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant and receiving the Combat Infantry badge. He graduated from Wagner College. Mr. Burghart had a long, distinguished career in developing new chemical processes and technologies and was a co-creator of the process to make polyurethane foam. Over the years, Mr. Burghart worked for GAF Corporation, Houdry Process Corporation, Air Products, Halcon International and was President of Ergenics, Inc. Starting as a research chemist and then finding his talent and passion for commercial development, Mr. Burghart's work took him around the world. He was at home in any setting but loved being at home most of all. He had a talent for learning languages and made lifelong friends wherever he went. A devoted family man, he was kind and generous and loved to be able to help those in need. Mr. Burghart is survived by his wife of 62 years, Roberta, his children Roberta Ahmed and her husband Mian of Bellport, NY, Scott Burghart and his wife Lisa of Lafayette, NJ, Jill Scobie and her husband Bill of Asheville, NC; a sister, Marion King of West Islip, NY; eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Gary and his brother Herbert. A memorial service will be conducted Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 11 am at the Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore with Mr. Allan Burns officiating. Family will receive friends at the Burghart residence following the service. Mr. Burghart's ashes will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Smile Train, 28th Floor, 41 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010.