Jairus “Jerry” Salls Burt 1929-2025

Jairus “Jerry” Salls Burt died May 24, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Easthampton on May 1, 1929, he was the son of the late Kenneth C. and Florence S. Burt. Beloved husband of the late Carole (Howard) Burt for nearly 65 years.  Loving father of Jairus “Jack” Burt, Jr. of Williamsburg, Donna Pawlikowski and her husband Jerry of Easthampton, and Carolyn Burt and her late husband Stephen Murphy of Newburyport.  Cherished grandfather of Hillary Osgood and husband Brad, Melanie Diggins and husband Brian, and Collin Burt and wife Kate.  Adored great grandfather of Hayden Osgood, Mason Diggins, Ian, Mary, and Wyatt Burt.  Caring brother to William Burt and Lois Bean.   He was predeceased by sisters Barbara Ralicki, Shirley Clifford and brother, Clinton Burt.  He is survived by many nieces and nephews.  

He attended Easthampton schools and graduated from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture in 1950. In 2006, he, along with graduates from the Stockbridge School graduating classes of 1920-1960 were awarded their degrees.  After graduating, he joined his two brothers in the dairy business to manage the family dairy farm which later incorporated as Burt & Sons, Inc.  In 1957 he built his house on a parcel of farmland and lived there until he passed. In 1966, then Governor Volpe presented him, on behalf of Burt & Sons,  with the Massachusetts Dairymen of the Year award.   He worked on the dairy farm until it was sold in 1999.   In 1975, the farm diversified by opening Burt Ford Tractor, later known as Burt Tractor and Equipment,  to serve the farming and construction community, which he managed until it was sold in 2006.  He was a past director and president of the Dairy Herd Association of Hampshire County, the Northampton Cooperative Auction, and the Hampshire County Agway.  In 1975 he joined the Northampton Co-op and served as member, director, and president. He was a town meeting member in Easthampton from 1969 to 1986.  In the 1980’s he served on the board of directors for the Easthampton Cooperative Bank.  He retired in 2006 at the age of 77.

In his retirement years he would split wood in his back yard, tend to his large vegetable garden, or head to camp to log wood with his son, starting each day with a walk. He was well known in the community; it was rare for him to enter a restaurant where he did not know someone.   His happiest moments in his later years involved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He loved their visits and watching them play sports.   In 2017, at age 88, he decided he wanted to go back to Wyoming to a guest ranch and ride a horse one last time. There  he rode every day of the trip. In 2018 he took the entire family, 4 generations, to Disney. Such a gift to all of us to spend time with him.

The family extends love and appreciation to Silba Maharero, his compassionate caregiver, for the past year.

Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects on June 5, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Boucher-O’Brien Funeral Home, 7 Pleasant St., Easthampton, MA. The funeral service will be June 6,   2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Boucher-O’Brien Funeral Home followed by burial in the East Street Cemetery in Easthampton.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Challenge Unlimited, Inc. at Ironstone Farm, 450 Lowell St., Andover, MA 01810 www.ironstonefarm.org or Cooley Dickinson VNA and Hospice, 30 Locust St., Northampton, MA 01060. For online condolences or directions, please visit www.boucherobrienfuneralhome.com.