Richard J. Burg

Richard J. Burg, age 91, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

Born in 1931 in Wilmington, DE, he was the son of the late Edward J. and Laura A. Burg.  He was a graduate of Salesianum High School and attended the University of Delaware.  Richard retired from DuPont after a forty-year career as a lab technician. He honorably served his country for forty continuous years; entering the Delaware Air National Guard in 1951, completed four years active duty in the US Air Force, returning to the Delaware Air National Guard, achieving the rank of Senior Master Sargent before retiring in 1991.

Richard dedicated his life to the service of others through his work with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.  He was a Charter Member of Newark B.P.O. Elks Lodge #2281.  From his initiation in May of 1963 and for more than five decades, he held a wide range of roles within the Lodge, including Exalted Ruler, Secretary, Treasurer and Trustee. One of his most long-standing commitments was as Bingo Chairman for the Lodge; a labor of love in which he took a great deal of pride. Richard also served as Elks National Veterans Service Commission for the Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia Elks Association, Vice President of the Northeast District, State Ritual Committee, State Trustee, President and District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for the Northeast District of the Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia Elks Association.  He was honored by the Elks for his dedication and exemplary service when he was inducted into the Office of Grand Inner Guard for the 2018-2019 Grand Lodge Year of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America.

Richard was also a life-long fan of University of Delaware sports and was a football season ticket holder for many years.  He enjoyed traveling, especially taking family trips to Wildwood Crest, NJ; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Orlando, Florida to visit the famous mouse known to reside there. He was always up for a good time and was happiest amongst his many friends and family members.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in life by his wife, Sheila, brothers Edward Burg, Jr., Joseph Burg and beloved sister, Elsie (Cantera). 

Richard is survived by his brother-in-law and friend, Lawrence Cantera, Sr., children, Gregory Burg (Elaine), Tonya Skufca, Ronald Skufca, Sheila Hitchens, Suzanne Linehan (Scott) and August Pohorily-Ferrara, grandchildren, Michael Bass (Deborah), Laura Timney (Jeremy), Brent Skufca (Rosie), Erin Pudlo (Paul), Colleen Grizzel (Sean), Sarah Olson (Shane), Nicole Ferrara, Zachary Ferrara (Myra), April Volherbst (Luke) and Shannon Ferrara and Julianna Hitchens, 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, as well as his faithful dog and companion, Poppi.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm.  A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Elks National Foundation.

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