Richard “Dick” Burgess, 101, of Gary, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at his home surrounded by loving family. He was born on June 16, 1925, in London, Ontario, Canada, to the late Frederick and Gwen (Coombs) Burgess. On November 24, 1955, Dick married the love of his life, Kathleen Piket.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Kathleen Burgess; children, Michele (Philip) Kite, Christopher (Riva Feshbach) Burgess, Laura (Burgess) Shelby, and Megan Burgess; grandchildren, Richard (Ashley) Shelby, Shannon Shelby, Jamie (Michael) Kostrub, and Isaac Feshbach-Burgess; great-grandchildren, Peyton Burden, Lincoln Shelby, Bennett Kostrub, and William Kostrub; siblings-in-law, Dolores James, Philip (Lou Ann) Piket, and Kathy Piket; and a loving host of extended family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his siblings, John Burgess, and Marilyn Maddox; and siblings-in-law, Terry Piket, and Jerry James.

Dick graduated from the University of Michigan with a master’s degree in library science. It was in library school that he met his wife, Kathleen, who also received her master’s degree there. He began his career at the McGregor Public Library in Highland Park, MI. From there, he joined the staff of the Gary Public Library, as the AV librarian, later becoming the head of the Kennedy Branch until he retired.

Dick was a longtime resident of the Glen Park area in Gary, moving there in 1965 with his family and living there until the present day. He was also a longtime parishioner of the former St. Mark Catholic Church in Gary and later became a member St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Gary.

Dick believed in the importance of giving back and was involved in various community activities and volunteer work throughout his life. He was a longtime member of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Exchange Club; was President of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for Daniel Webster Elementary School in Gary; and in the days before the internet and text to voice technology, he alongside his wife, Kathleen participated in a program reading the newspaper to the blind. His last volunteer work was perhaps his favorite — cuddling babies at the Nazareth Home (now shuttered).

In his spare time, Dick was an avid fisherman, taking many trips throughout his life with his brother-in-law, Terry and nephew Tim Myers to Canada to reel in a catch of the day. In addition, he was passionate about the performing arts, for many years attending the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago International Film Festival. With his wife, Kathy, he attended local theater (especially musical theater) and made many trips to the annual Shakespeare Festival at Stratford, Ontario. He was a devoted fan of the Detroit Lions, but he eventually traded them for the Chicago Bears after the family moved to Indiana. Dick spent many a Sunday yelling at the TV. In his later years, Dick was well known for always carrying a packet of crossword puzzles and a pen in the pocket of his shirt.

Above all, Dick loved spending time with family, including his extended family, and happily attended family reunions and get-togethers throughout the Midwest. Dick will best be remembered as a man who had truly never met a stranger. His gentle, outgoing, and loving personality will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, cremation has been chosen. Services for Dick will begin on September 10, at Rendina Funeral Home, 5100 Cleveland Street, Gary, IN 46408, with visitation from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. On September 11, services will continue with a Memorial Mass being held at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 330 East 45th Avenue, Gary, IN 46409, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, 520 East 56th Avenue, Merrillville, IN 46410.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Dick’s memory to the American Brain Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.