Raymond W. Burgess, 91, of Patterson Lane, formerly of Langmaid Lane, Bradford, went peacefully to his heavenly home and his loving wife Sunday, October 1, 2023.
Born on November 19, 1931, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Rodney F. Burgess Sr. and Nettie LaBelle (Melzer) Burgess.
He was a 1949 Bradford Area High School graduate. He enlisted in the United States Navy on March 1, 1951, and served on the USS Daly until his honorable discharge on February 21, 1955. He was awarded the Navy Occupation Service Medal (European Clasp), Korean Service Medal (one star), United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
He began his career in 1950 for Bovaird & Seyfang as a tool grinder. After returning from the Navy he returned to Bovaird & Seyfang as a draftsmen in the Methods department. Bovaird & Seyfang later became Dresser Rand. There he was a draftsman and the drafting supervisor for the Engineering department until his retirement after 40 years. During his time at Dresser Rand, he had two patents filed. His patent for an Automatic Seal Depressurization System was patented on January 25, 1994, and his patent for a Labyrinth Seal Assembly and Method was patented on December 14, 1999.
On August 20, 1955, he married the love of his life Joyce Walter at St. Francis Church in Bradford. They remained together until her passing in 2013.
Ray (Bud) was an avid trout fisherman, hunter and trapper in his younger years.
He was a great husband and father and devoted his life to his family. His family meant the most to him which he instilled in all of his children.
He walked faithful to God and left his children a legacy of faith.
Surviving is one brother Don, of Grand Rapids, MI, two daughters, Vicki (Tom) Kurgan, of Fort Wayne, IN, Linda (Joseph) Budzinski, of Bradford, three sons Roy (Mary Marg) Burgess, of Richmond, TX, Keith (Beth) Burgess, of Franklin, TN, and Steve (Tracy) Burgess, of Bradford, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and two brothers, Rodney Burgess, Jr. and Robert F. Burgess.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held for the family at St. Francis Church with Fr. John Jacquel, as Celebrant. Military Honors and burial will follow in Fairmont Cemetery, Smethport PA.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to St. Francis Church, or a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com