NAUGATUCK — Richard Allen Burmeister, 90, passed away on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, at his home. He was the husband of the late Mary Lou (Carroll) Burmeister, who passed away in June of this year.
Richard was born March 7, 1930, in Waterbury, son of the late William H. and Euphemia (Watt) Burmeister. Known as an accomplished model maker and tool maker, he worked in product development for divisions of Scovill Manufacturing & Research, Timex, Bristol Company and Uniroyal. He also taught at Emmett O’Brien Technical School and was extremely gratified when former students thanked him for his patience and the profound impact he had on their careers.
Known for his meticulous precision, he was most proud of his contributions toward the development of gyroscopes used for aviation and space travel. Several of his gyroscopes were part of the Apollo space missions and are on display at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He was also proud of his contributions toward the development of automobile air shock absorbers while with Scovill Research along with “run-flat tires” and membrane roofing materials while with Uniroyal.
Married over 65 years, he was devoted to his wife and family. When asked of his secret to a happy marriage, his answer was always “just say, yes dear.” As a parent and lifelong baseball fan, he was actively involved as a Peter J. Foley Little League coach. He was also actively involved in local Boy Scouts as leader of Cub Scout Pack 115. In retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively throughout the country as well as through Europe.
Richard is survived by his daughters, Carroll Pereira (Joe) of Hertford, N.C., and Cathy Burmeister (Susan Streiff) of Kennebunkport, Maine; sons, William Burmeister (Margit) of White Plains, N.Y., Paul Burmeister (Roberta) of Oldsmar, Fla., and Jeffrey Burmeister of Naugatuck; grandchildren, Nicholas (Nicole), Daniel and Joseph (Megan), Pereira and Katharine, William and Abigail Burmeister; and great-grandchildren, Logan, Grayson and Brynn Pereira. He is also survived by his beloved nieces, Marcia Renaud, Janet Rubbo and Betsy Burmeister; his nephew, Richard Burmeister; and best friend, Jim Maguire. He was predeceased by his loving sister, Ruth Alexander; and brother, Theodore Burmeister.
The family thanks the kind, caring providers at the Harold Leever Cancer Center and specifically to Dr. Kert Sabbath and Karen Hammond for their exceptional treatment and care. The family also thanks Hartford Health Care for their compassionate care and support in providing hospice services.
Private funeral services for Mr. Burmeister will be held at The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Naugatuck, with burial in St. James Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Union Congregational Church, 167 Buckingham St., Oakville, CT 06779, Naugatuck Special Olympics, c/o Donna Taylor, 119 Periwinkle Drive, Middlebury, CT 06762 and The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, 1075 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708.
For online condolences, to share a photo or a story, visit www.fordfh.com.
