Richard “Dick” Leighton Burkhard, of Wilmington, DE passed away at home peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones on March 3, 2022.
Dick was born and raised in Wilmington, DE, the son of the late Rose (Frankel) and Carroll Leighton Burkhard. He graduated from Conrad HS and following the generations before him became a businessman and entrepreneur. Dick joined his brother, Alan, at Placers and successfully expanded the temporary business to include many satellite branches. Prior to retiring, he formed Brandywine Technologies Partners. Throughout his career, he served in advisory roles to entrepreneurs, school districts and Wilmington mayors. He served on boards of various business organizations and volunteered as a tutor.
Dick was worldly, he could engage in conversation on just about any topic and would often send emails to friends and family with “I just thought you might find this interesting” note attached to it. Dick was an adventurer who cherished traveling off the beaten path, domestically and abroad. He was happiest while cruising on his boat with Dale on the Chesapeake Bay and Intracoastal Waterway, or wherever water was found. Earning a captain’s license in retirement, he assisted in transporting boats from Maine to Florida. He volunteered at the Seaman’s Center of Wilmington, he welcomed seafarers from around the world upon entering the Port of Wilmington.
Dick will be dearly missed by the love of his life, Dale Maahs. He is survived by his 3 children, Deborah Burkhard, Dianne Burkhard (Matt Vera) and Rick Burkhard (Patty), 9 grandchildren; Rachel, Dave, Nick, Anna, Delia, Susie, Collin, Caroline and Charlotte and a brother, Alan Burkhard (Sally), nieces and a nephew as well as an extended Maahs family including Dale’s sister Dawn and brothers Dennis (RuthAnne), and Chuck.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Seamen’s Center of Wilmington, www.scwde.org. or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation www.cbf.org
A memorial will be privately held.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
