Ronald M. Burger

Ronald Burger of Marco Island, FL unexpectedly passed away on November 5th, 2018 from a scooter accident. He was born on November 22, 1942, the son of Emmett and Isabelle Burger, grew up with his sister, Joyce and brothers, Jerry and Bruce in Wheatland, PA, and graduated from Farrell High School. Ron was an Eagle Scout, worked in Boy Scout Summer Camps, and as a life guard. He discovered that he enjoyed working with children, and decided to major in education at Youngstown University, graduating in 1966. He also earned a Master of Education degree and an Education Specialist degree from Kent State University.

He met his future wife, Carolyn Cox, at Youngstown University, who was also studying to be a teacher. They were married on May 26, 1967 and enjoyed working together as educators in many different settings. They were blessed with three children, Jeanne Wanchisn (Richard), Aaron Burger (Christeena), and Natasha Gossard, and five grandchildren including Daniel Wanchisn, Meghan and Mason Burger, and Jon-Luc and Jacqueline Gossard. Ron loved his family and was an example of living a Christian life dedicated to the Lord.

Ron served in the U.S. Army as a medic, stationed at Fort Huachuca, AR and served in the Vietnam War in 1967-68. When he returned home, he began his public education career. After three years of teaching, he was hired at the age of 29, and served as Columbiana Middle School Principal in Columbiana, OH for the next 25 years until retirement in 1997. He loved working with his students, teaching staff, and parents!

Ron and his wife, Carolyn, both retired from public education in Ohio in 1997 and began living part time in Columbiana, OH and Marco Island, FL. In 2009, they made Marco Island their fulltime residence. He loved playing with the Marco Island Senior Softball organization, sailing his 21 ft. sail boat, “S-Cape”, and teaching Sunday School to children at Wesley United Methodist Church for many years. He also served as Education Liaison at the church, raising funds for annual Homer Rice scholarships for local students each year. Ron served on the board of Grace Place in Naples when it was first being established, and often tutored the students. He loved our Lord, the church, his friends, children, and the Bible Study Groups he attended.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Homer Rice Scholarship Fund, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 350 S. Barfield Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145.

A church service to celebrate Ron’s life will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, November 13th, 2018 at the Wesley United Methodist Church. Guests are invited to attend a luncheon following the service in the Fellowship Hall. Interment will be at the Marco Island Cemetery.

Please go to the website of Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home at HodgesJosberger.com for more information and to leave condolences for the family.