Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1946
DIED
2010
Richard Burgan Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Burgan
Sponsored by Paula Reese, Richard's Sister .
Skylar Gadie
February 6, 2014
I love you. I miss you. I wish you'd come back but.. you're in a better place now. Rest in peace, papa.
-Skylar
Paula Reese
December 19, 2013
Remembering my brother .... As he will always be in our hearts forever! We love and miss you today and everyday! Love, Paula
Shelly Casey
December 26, 2012
This is so very touching to read all the wonderful stories and my heart just hurts for everyone. One day everyone will all be together again and I know you are watching over Aunt Karen and all the rest of your family! XOXO
David Santoro
December 22, 2012
Hi Richard,
I wanted to send you one more message before the book is closed. I came over today to make sure my Mom was doing okay. She misses you very much. I just wanted to say "thank You" for being there for all of us. You took on alot when you joined our family, but you did a great job! I loved watching you and Kay talk. She felt so comfortable with you. We still have the 2 plants from your funeral, Kays takes good care of them. One hasn't ever flowered in 2 years, but it got a small little flower on it a few days ago. We said it might be your way of saying "I'm still around, watching my loved ones. We will miss you, but know you are an angel, so pure of heart. We will always make sure my mom is taken well taken care of, because that was your biggest worry. Kay and I mention something about you everyday. Your picture hangs on our wall. I can't think of a better man than you, and will strive to model myself after you. You've shown us what a real man is, and love you so much. Bye for now, but hopefully we will all be together again, one day. David and Kay Santoro.
Tuesday Cariera
December 19, 2012
Uncle Richard, Its hard to believe 2 years has gone by. You are missed dearly and always thought about. I get to go to lunch with your beautiful wife here and there throughout the year as we have great talks about such a wonderful man you are! I want to Thank You for bringing such a great person,Aunt Karen into our family as she loved you so!! The holidays are sure NOT the same without you and Nanny so I hope your enjoying them with her til WE get there!! XO
Karen Burgan
December 18, 2012
My dear Husband. I still miss you everyday. LIVING WITHOUT YOU IS THE HARDEST THING I'll ever have to do. We had some wonderful years together, which I am so grateful for. You are the kindest man I've ever known. I hope there is a heaven, where we will meet again. You will live in my heart forever and ever. My life must go on, but the memories we made together will always be with me. We all thank you for loving us and cared for us with all your heart and soul. Christmas has never been the same since you left, but I do it for the kids. I hug your pillow now at night to comfort me when I'm missing your touch.We had a very special love, and always will. Your wife, Karen
Willie Bondhill
December 18, 2012
Richard, I'm sorry I couldn't be here during the time when you needed me. The times we shared together were very special to me, we had a bond I hold deep in my heart. You didn't say it in words but you showed it in your actions about how important family is & how to step up and be a real man. You will always be in my heart and in my thoughts everyday. I love you and miss you everyday. Love your son in law, Willie
Paula Reese
February 13, 2011
Dear Richard,
Today is your birthday! Though you are gone from our sight you will never be forgotten…. Remembering you today on your very special day! Happy Birthday Richard!
We all miss you so very much! We will always remember the love and strength you have shown all of us. Your wit we will always envision, your kind heart will never be forgotten…. While we're all very sad that your time here is over we rest in the knowledge that your suffering has finally come to an end and you walk beside our mom for all of eternity. We will carry you forever in our hearts! Just wanted to say “Happy Birthday Richard” I love you! Your sister, Paula
February 4, 2011
Richard was our "quiet" brother-in-law. Knowledgeable, thoughtful, helpful. We had some good times with him in the family environment. My favorite laugh with him was after the Detroit Tigers baseball game when he temporarily got lost in downtown Detroit at night. We lived to laugh about it. He was a responsible husband, father and grandfather. He showed inner strength which we can learn from in coping with such a deep, personal loss. He will be missed.
Pam Ayres
Richard fully met THE standard of truly "good guys". He was a really good guy; one of the few who fully deserved that label. Quiet, but reliable. And, when he had something to say, we listened, for it was from a mightily reliable and thoughtful source. That kind, quiet, solid counsel will be missed by us all, especially those who could discern and really appreciate a GOOD GUY.
DOUG AYRES
Richard loved his family and life!
Paula Reese
January 22, 2011
On this one month anniversary I am thinking of you today as I do everyday….
My brother was a great man…. hardworking, kindhearted his entire life. He loved his family with all his heart; I know that’s why he fought so long and hard to stay as long as he could. Although I know he’s gone to a better place, that doesn’t change the fact I wish I could see his face. Nothing can bring him back, though I wish I could. I already miss his voice and continue to reminisce on his life. Our family is holding onto his memory that is so strong. Our lives will never be the same, and that is something that will never change. For me he was my only brother. Always there to guide us all to see things thru and thru.
His spirit will be with us forever, and one day he will guide us all into the light. Where he’ll be waiting to reunite. It will take a long time to get through this, but he’ll be watching hoping our souls will prevail. I will never forget you Richard, I never could. I love you and when we said goodbye that very last day, I know you understood.... I truly felt your peace. Love, Paula
Aaron Dorris
January 20, 2011
I amired Richard because. He was a good man and a hard worker.And he was Honarable . He stood up for what he bellived in. He was not only my co worker.He was a GOOD FRIEND TO ME. He was very creative and cleaver. Richard showed me smarter ways to work. I really appericated him being a part of my life. Im looking forward to seeing him again some day.
John Kielas - brother in law
January 13, 2011
My memories of Richard will include many of the things that have already been said. He was a gentle soul and a loving being who put that love out in a quiet and humble way. He loved Karen and their family and as it grew with the grandchildren that needed his help he continued to love and care for them with a generosity of spirit that touched me deeply. He touch many lives in his own quiet way and will be missed. He was an inspiration.
Yurgin Family
January 12, 2011
Karen,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you all during this time of sorrow. May your many wonderful memories of Richard help warm and heal your heavy hearts. We love you!
Michael, Susan, Rachel and Jessica Yurgin
Vicki & John Kielas
January 12, 2011
To Richard, We are both saddened at the loss for our dear sister Karen and the Girls. You were a wonderful husband and granddad to them and they will all truly miss you. You selflessly provided well for all of them.
You went threw some very difficult struggles and it's comforting to know you're no longer suffering. May your soul now be Free. Love, Vicki and John Kielas
( Pt Townsend, Wa )
Celebrating Karen's Birthday at our House
Mary Ellen Lalonde
January 9, 2011
Richard will be remembered by me for his tremendous love for Karen that he showed every day. Richard was a very kind man who loved with his whole heart and sole. Richard always had Karen by his side and Belle in his lap.
Belle loved Richard as much as any dog could possibly love her master. Belle was loyal and at Richard's side to the end.
Richard was always doing something clever around the house, yard or garage. He would clean things up, and organize, and then do even more to make everything more efficient.
When we were on our brother Doug's boat, Richard would come up with ideas that even Doug hadn't thought of and Doug would say how clever Richard was.
Richard was kind, loving and generous.
I promise you, Richard, that I will do everything possible to help Karen from being lonely. I will do all I can to be there by Karen's side to lean on me whenever she needs me.
I am so sorry you had to go through so much pain. I am glad your suffering is over and you are at peace.
Celebrating Karen's Birthday at our house 2009
Mary Ellen Lalonde
January 9, 2011
Larry Lalonde
January 9, 2011
As Richard was a man of few words and expressions, I view him by what he did and not by what he said. He was, in a sense of man of action. And his actions spoke volumes about his character. He was a very diligent worker who was both responsible and dependable. He never shirked his duties in his place of employment and even went out of his way to do a little extra without being asked. He took his jobs seriously, never took unnecessary days off nor did he abuse his work schedule i.e. coming in late, leaving early. Richard was an exemplary worker that confirmed to his employers that they made the right choice.
As a husband, he loved Karen deeply. Karen and Richard contributed to making wherever they lived a work of art. He would work tirelessly to keep the lawn beautiful, the cars spotless and the house impeccable. As a papa to Karen's grandchildren, he, once again, thrust his whole self into making the best home he could for them. The trials and tribulations of raising four children never prevented him from being dependable and devoted.
Richard will be remembered for the exemplary life he lived and how he affected those who knew him.
Richard's Brother-In-Law
Mom & Richard
Paula Reese
January 1, 2011
Dear Richard,
"A brother is a friend given by Nature"
Today is the first day of a brand new year…. You were in my heart yesterday; you’re in my heart today and everyday!
I thought of you with love today
but that is nothing new
I thought about you yesterday
and days before that too,
I think of you in silence
I often speak your name
All I have are memories
and your picture in a frame
Your memory is my keepsake
with which I’ll never part
God has you in His keeping
I have you in my heart.
In honor of my brother and our mom….
Love, Paula
Richard Burgan 8th Army Division Korea
Paula Reese
December 31, 2010
Dear Richard, as we enter the New Year 2011 you are in my thoughts today and always.... your memorial service was so beautiful! We are all missing you and so touched by your service last night. We can't thank Karen enough for giving us all the opportunity to bid you farewell with such grace…. You are loved so much! Another verse I would like to share with everyone….
Remember Me
To the sorrowful, I will never return
To the angry, I was cheated
But, to the happy, I am at peace
And to the faithful, I have never left
I can not speak, but I can listen
I can not be seen, but I can be heard
So as you stand upon the shore
Gazing at the beautiful sea, remember me
As you look in awe at a mighty forest
And its grand majesty, remember me
Remember me in your hearts,
In your thoughts, and the memories of the
Times we loved, the times we cried, the
Battle I fought and the times we laughed
For if you always think of me, I will
Have never gone.
Love, Paula
Jasmine Gadie
December 30, 2010
Papa,
I miss you so much but it doesn't feel like you're really gone. You are the strongest man I know. Your presence is everywhere; I know you're watching over us, and for that I am thankful. I love you and always will
Krystle Cariera
December 29, 2010
You will be missed and I am thankful for being able to see you and the family last week. I love you and will never forget you.
Taylor White
December 29, 2010
Papa, I love and miss you so much. You were the best grandfather i believe anybody could ever ask for. When I think about all the times we had together i can't help but smile knowing such a great man is looking down on me now as an angel. Thank you for everything you've done for me and our family. I love you and always will.
Shelly Casey
December 29, 2010
I first have to tell you Thank You for accepting GOD into your Heart. I secondly have to tell you Thank You for taking care of my Aunt Karen, making her very happy and feel secure. Many, many thanks for taking care of the kids, treating them as if they were your own. It takes a Very Special Person to do that Richard. You are a HERO to all of us. You served time over in Korea, what an honor to even have known you. It just breaks my Heart that you had to leave so early when you were at the age to just enjoy life and spend time and make more memories with your family. I am so sorry that you had to go through so much pain, that saddens me to no end. But, Richard, you are in a better place now with no more pain. And, we will all see you again in the future. Thank you again for being such a Good Man, a Role Model for others to follow. May You Rest in Eternal Peace.
Shelly Casey
December 29, 2010
d v nelsen
December 29, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Gale & Richard
Gale Maddux-Cottrell
December 29, 2010
Diana, Paula & their families - Remember the good times, we had so many. I'm glad Richard and I had a chance to talk. Karen & family, We will keep you in our prayers. Love, Cousin Gale
Tuesday Cariera
December 29, 2010
Uncle Richard, you will truley be missed BUT your memeories will live on forever with us!! You were the BEST uncle and "very" loved and dear to our hearts, more so than you probably really knew. I am glad I got to share some more time with you before you left us but now you get to be with two of the dearest people in my life, my grandmother and great grandmother!! May you rest in peace as I promise to help look out for your beautiful wife as I give her all the credit for the strength she had to take care of you and be by your side always, you were a amazing couple!!
Love you and will miss you lots!!!
Love Tuesday, Dave, Krystle, Zachery and Hunter
XoXoXo
Skylar Gadie
December 29, 2010
To my loving papa. He was a great man.We wouldn't be such good family if he wasn't in it. I'll love him and miss him more than I'll miss anyone. I love you.
Karen Burgan
December 28, 2010
Dear Richard,
You are and always will be the love of my life. So gentle and kind, so sweet and good, so caring and protecting. My life will never feel as secure as it was with you. We fell in love and stayed in love for 20 years. We had so many wonderful days together, the time has flown by so quickly. I wish so much you could have stayed longer. I miss you so much already, I can't imagine life without you. I know I must go on, but YOU will be in my heart FOREVER. You are at peace now with no more pain. You were so strong and brave, and we will be forever grateful to you for everything you did for us. Goodbye my love, Karen
DOTTY SNYDER
December 28, 2010
Dear Richard---I'm so sorry that things are the way they are for you...I feel comforted that Karen is with you, and also your dog..I'm sure your life has been very rewarding, from when we were young kids to now.. Karen I don't know you, but I'm sure you are one special person. I know this has got to be one of the hardest times in your life..and I'm sorry..
You are both in my prayers.
With sincere love,
DOTTY...
Richard Diana and Paula
December 27, 2010
Richard Burgan 1964 8th Army Stationed in Korea
December 27, 2010
Mom & Richard
December 27, 2010
Diana Paula Richard & Gale
December 27, 2010
Paula Reese
December 27, 2010
My Dearest Richard,
God saw you getting tired & a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you & whispered come with me. With tearful eyes we watched and saw you pass away. Although we love you dearly we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the BEST.
You’re the very best Brother anyone could ever have…. I will always cherish our memories. Our childhood years as well, for me these were the best…. as you were my best friend! You and I were so very close; we were inseparable back then! I miss you so very much…. I love you Richard!
You, Karen, and the girls are all so very blessed to have had so many wonderful years together! You are truly missed dearly by all, you will never be forgotten as you have touched so may lives’…. you brought so much happiness to so many of us! You will live on in our hearts and through our wonderful memories of you forever. You are now with our mom…. Please rest in peace my dear brother. Until we meet again…. as I will hopefully join you both again one day. I love you little brother.... Your sister, Paula
Herbert Salvatore
December 27, 2010
To Richards Family, I would like to say it was a real pleasure to know,Richard.He made me cry when Aran an I came over he said he was so glad to see us and started to cry, I told him we wanted to. I asked Rich if he new JESUS he said he asked him into his heart, he said some one in his family showed him how.Isn't that great, I will see him again some day ,We all can, all we have to do is call on the name of JESUS and ask him into your heart. THANK YOU RICHARD FOR BEING A[ FRIEND] TO YOUR WIFE, YOU WERE VERY NICE TO US ARRAN AND I SAY THANK YOU. [ HE LOVED YOU ] .GOD BLESS YOU AND THE CHILDREN..
Julie Stanley-Santoro
December 27, 2010
Dear Richard,Im so happy in my heart that you and had a really nice talk in the fall, I remember you were outside as I drove by, I turned around and we talked an hugged, you said you loved me and I told you I will always love you and mom for all you have done for Marie and myself. Remember I stopped over twice befor christmas an gave you a letter and christmas card.Richard I have never met a man with such a big heart,an I'm sure I never will. You will be missed so much!and you will be loved forever and ever. I love you Richard, may you rest in peace. Love from Julie.
Julie Stanley-Santoro
December 26, 2010
Dear Richard, im so happy in my heart that you and I had a nice talk in the fall, the weather was still warm, you were outside I drove by an seen you, I turned around and was so happy that we talked an hugged each other!! you told me you loved me and I told you that I loved you at the end of our talk. Remember I stopped at your house again to give you a letter that I wrote with a christmas card. Once again I stopped at your house on Tuesday Dec.21st you were thirsty an asked for some water, I gave you cold water an jasmine an I put a cold towell on your forehead,because you said you were warm. You said again you loved me an I said I love you to Richard. I prayed to god to take away your pain and said merry christmas.then bye. I know your pain is gone now,and you will be in all of hearts forever. I love you Richard, Love from Julie.
Jerney Bondhill
December 26, 2010
I love you my loving papa.
Cheri Bondhill
December 26, 2010
Richard, Your the greatest man/father/Papa I've had the honor to know and to love. You've been such a big part of my life all of these years, It will never be the same around here without you with us everyday, but you'll remain in our hearts and our memories forever. I am so glad that I have so many memories of you that I can always look back on when I am missing you and I miss you so much. You were always there for me whenever I needed you, even if I didn't ask--you were still there to lend a hand and help me out in some way. Rest in peace, I love you.
December 26, 2010
Karen and family, Paula and family, My thoughts and prayers have been with you during this sad time. I have very fond, and fun, memories of Richard from our childhood days in Wynantskill, NY. We were all friends... especially my 'best friend' Paula lasting a lifetime. I'm sorry I didn't get to visit Richard and meet Karen on my last visit to Michigan. My sincere sympathies to the whole family for losing such a dear member. Love, Bonny (Quell) Mounteer
T. C. Gray
December 26, 2010
Jasmine ,Taylor ,Skylar,Marie, Jerney & family , I am praying for you all during this sad time . Your Grandfather was a very special man. He loved you all so very much . Love , Ms. T. C. Gray
Samantha Burgan
December 25, 2010
Samantha Burgan
December 25, 2010
Hey daddy, I will always cherish the times we spent together. I'm sorry we never truly got to know one another and missed so many great years. I am just so glad I got to speak with you recently and tell you that I love you and let you know that everything is ok. I wish I could have really known what a great man you really were. You are forever and always in my heart. I miss you.
Samantha Burgan
December 25, 2010
Hey daddy, I will always cherish the times we spent together. I'm sorry we never truly got to know one another and missed so many great years. I am just so glad I got to speak with you recently and tell you that I love you and let you know that everything is ok. I wish I could have really known what a great man you really were. You are forever and always in my heart. I miss you.
Carl & Elaine Nelsen
December 24, 2010
Cousin Richard, You will be missed, We send are love an prayers for the Burgan family, great loss. for a cousin you where the best. Are love an prayer are with you Rich.
Arlene & Jim Tate
December 24, 2010
Our love & prayers are with you all at this time of your loss. When we know Jesus, and surrender our lives to Him, the Bible says that when we die, we are "absent from the body & present with the Lord"......how wonderful is that? We are sorry we can't be there, but know that our hearts are with you. Love, Arlene & Jim Tate, and Aunt Ellen Rogenes
Garrett, Margaret, Skyler, Gabe, and Peyton
Garrett Hoffman
December 24, 2010
Uncle Richard,
You will be missed very much. We love you! I am glad I got to visit you a couple of times this month and you got to see Margaret and the kids. Thank you for all that you are and being a part of my life. Tell Great Grandma Minnie, Grandpa Burgan, and Nanny we say hello and we love them too!
Showing 1 - 48 of 48 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Burgan's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Burgan
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Burgan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
