Richard “Rick” Burgeson

Rick graduated from Warren High School in 1970, moving on to earn vocational certificates for welding, projector operation, machinist, and mechanics. He also earned an associate degree in electrical engineering from Erie Institute of Technology. He was a life-long learner and a self-starter, executing personal and professional projects that exceeded expectations until he was diagnosed with a debilitating illness described with “reactive asthma” in the 1990s. (In modern times, this diagnosis is known as “chemical sensitivity.”)

Richard served during the Viet Nam war for the United States Air Force, honorably discharged in 1971. He was then employed at Erie Mill & Press until the chemical sensitivity began to interfere with his enjoyment of life and ability to work. After that, he retired to a life of photography and the arts, writing poetry, short stories, and songs while he focused as best he could on family.

He enjoyed survivalist style camping, putting together puzzles, making and playing video games, rebuilding mechanical objects, constructing furniture, watching movies, traveling, fishing, writing original children’s books and fan-fiction for Harry Potter characters. A storyteller at heart, he will ever be known as a joker and mild prankster to his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Alex “May” Burgeson, Ken & Beth, Tom & Tami, Pam, Patty, Crystal, Norma, and 12 grandchildren.

Friends may call on Monday, January 16th, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pine Avenue Branch, 845 East 38th St. Burial will follow at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com.