Obituary of Richard E. Burkhardt

BURKHARDT?Richard E., Sr., ?Sgt. Rock? - A selfless, generous man, who devoted himself to his family, his Country and his Community? suddenly on June 10, 2005. Aged 59 years. Born in Philadelphia & raised in Camden, Rich lived in Deptford for 28 years before moving to Harrison Twp. He was a former golden gloves Boxer. Rich was a proud US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. He served a tour of duty from 1966-1967 in the 4th Infantry Div, where he received numerous medals. Rich earned his Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Glassboro State College. He graduated from the F.B.I. Academy in 1996. Rich served as a Deptford Twp. Police Officer for 28 years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant before retiring. In that time he was named police officer of the year three times. Rich was instrumental in starting the first D.A.R.E. program in Deptford and one of the first in all of Gloucester County. Before retirement, Rich underwent successful kidney transplant surgery. He continued being involved with the Vietnam Vets in various ways; as an advocate for fellow vets to obtain necessary benefits, a mentor and friend to those vets who needed help or a as a devoted member & Harley rider with theVietnam Vets Motorcycle Club, traveling across the county to various meets. He is the beloved finance of Cathy L. Berti, the devoted father of Stephanie L. Trafton & her husband Jack, Richard E., Jr. & his wife Cindy, dear brother of Lorraine Zappata, Harry & Robert Burkhardt, Mary Ellen Norris & the late William ?Bill? Burkhardt, loving grandfather of Melissa, Jacklyn, Julia, Alexa & Brandon, former husband of Linda Burkhardt nee Taylor, also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Funeral Service Wed 11 AM in the McGuinness Funeral Home, 573 Egg Harbor Rd., Washington Twp., where relatives, friends, members of the Deptford Police Dept & fellow Vets may call Tues. 5:30-9 PM & Wed. After 9:30 AM. Interment & Veterans Honors Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Veterans Haven, P.O. Box 80, Winslow, NJ 08095. Tributes & memories may be shared by clicking the "sign guestbook" icon McGuinness Funeral Home ?The Lifetime Tribute Funeral Home?