Harvey Detwiler Burgstresser (1912-1983), the son of Abram and Katherine Detwiler Burgstresser, was a native of Norristown, PA. Like his mother, he attended Bucknell University, matriculating with the Class of 1934 but only completing two years.

In March of 1942, Burgstresser enlisted in the U.S. Army; he achieved the rank of staff sergeant in the 90th Field Artillery Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. His military service took him from Hawaii (May 1942-November 1942) to Guadalcanal (November 1942-December 1943) to New Zealand (December 1943-March 1944) To New Caledonia (March 1944-December 1944) and finally to the Philippines (January 1945-October 1945). During the Luzon campaign Burgstresser was wounded in the ear.

After the war, Burgstresser was married twice, to Helene M. Monks and Mildred Rabinowitz. He eventually served as president of the Philadelphia Asbestos Corporation.