Richard Lee Burgess

YOUNGSTOWN — Richard Lee Burgess, 85, a lifelong resident of Youngstown, died of natural causes Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Hospice House.

Richard was born May 18, 1941, in Youngstown, a son of the late John and Ruby Burton Burgess.

He was known for his long and distinguished career as an attorney and opinion writer for the Mahoning County Seventh District Court of Appeals. He was a 1958 graduate of The Rayen School and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Youngstown State University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Akron School of Law.

Richard proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was a plank owner of the USS Albany (CA-123).

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Louise (Adams) Burgess; his three sons, Daniel (Carolyn) Burgess of Black Earth, Wisconsin, Robert (Stephanie) Burgess of South Carolina, and Richard (Joanna Mooberry) Burgess of Chicago; 12 grandchildren; his sisters, Barbara (Raymond) Maclellan of Nova Scotia and Kathy (Dale) Williams of Austintown; and his brother, John (Charlotte) Burgess of Youngstown.

A loving and devoted husband and father, Richard will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Private services will be held for Richard’s family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home, Youngstown.