Richard Samuel Burger

Richard Samuel Burger, 82, of Vermilion, passed away Friday, October 2, 2026, at his home following a lengthy illness.

He was born July 7, 1944, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 74 years, moving from Lorain.

Richard graduated from Vermilion High School in 1962 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Parsons College in Iowa. He dedicated his career to education, teaching fifth-grade math and science for Amherst Schools until his retirement in 2005. During his years with Amherst Schools, he also coached eighth-grade football and ninth-grade basketball and served as president of the Amherst Teachers Association.

Richard had a lifelong curiosity and passion for learning, particularly when it came to computers and technology. From 1981 to 1991, he and his wife, Mary Jane, owned and operated Computer Advantage in Liberty Bell Plaza, allowing him to share his enthusiasm and knowledge of computers with others. He remained an avid computer enthusiast throughout his life and enjoyed keeping up with the ever-changing world of technology.

He was a lifetime member of the National Education Association, Ohio Education Association, and Vermilion Lions Club, and was a member of the United Church of Christ Congregational in Vermilion.

Richard had a wide range of interests. He was fascinated by science fiction, science, and space exploration and participated in the Teacher in Space Program in 1984. He and Mary Jane enjoyed traveling together and especially cherished the time they spent at their condo in South Padre Island, Texas. Richard was an animal lover and treasured the companionship of the many pets who were part of their family over the years.

A devoted sports fan, Richard was an avid—and sometimes frustrated—Cleveland sports fan, as well as an enthusiastic Ohio State fan. Above all, he treasured his family and friends and found his greatest happiness in the time he spent with the people he loved.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Jane (nee Bickel) Burger; daughters, Alexandra Burger of South Padre Island, Texas, and Kirsten (Brandon) Birkhead; son, Richard Scott (Tyler) Burger of Chicago, Illinois; sisters-in-law, Claire Burger, Sharon Bardus, and Lucy Bickel; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard W. Burger; mother, Nelda E. (nee George) Love; stepfather, Albert E. Love; and brother, Kurt William Burger.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 1:00 p.m. at Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Vermilion Lions Club or Friendship Animal Protective League.

Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.