Ralph Burkley
Ralph A. Burkley, 86, passed away on November 26, 2010 after a long illness. He died as he lived, with dignity and respect, surrounded by those who loved him.
He was an avid card player, fisherman and inventor and was known for his great sense of humor. He was born in Akron, Ohio in 1924 to parents, Clement and Theresa Burkley. He grew up in Goodyear Heights, and was active in Boy Scouts attaining Eagle Scout at the age of 14.
In World War II he served in the 15th Air Force as a B-24 ball turret gunner in the 459th Bomb Group in Guitia Field, Italy. Following World War II he attended The University of Akron and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1948.
He married his college sweetheart, Sally Connolly, in 1948 and settled in Silver Lake where he built his own home. He was active in Holy Family Parish, and was a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society for 23 years which he found to be a great source of satisfaction in service to others.
He joined Goodyear Aircraft in 1948, and worked in the Plastic Engineering Division where he was instrumental in advancing the state of the art of aircraft enclosures and space vehicle components. While at Goodyear, he held five U.S. patents in scientific areas. In 1977, he became Plant Manager of the Gas Centrifuge Enrichment Plant in Piketon, Ohio. He retired in 1985 and moved to Cuyahoga Falls where he was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, John and Clem; daughter, Sister Theresa Ann Burkley; and his son-in-law, Hank Edwards. He is survived by his dear wife of 62 years, Sally; by his brother, Tom (Marge) Burkley; and sisters, Maryann Wojno, Roz (Ed) Maher, Marge (Dick) Mack; sister-in-law, Anne Merzweiler; children, John (Rita) Burkley, Sally (Jerry) Antonucci, Rosalind Edwards, and Ralph (Anne) Burkley of Columbus; grandchildren, Mike and Jonathan Burkley, Sarah and Andrew Antonucci, Anna and Ben Edwards, Katie and Matt Burkley; and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours TODAY, 3 to 6 p.m. at the Ciriello and Carr Falls (810 Portage Tr.). Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Cuyahoga Falls. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society at I.H.M., or a charity of one's choice.
Cpl Ralph A Burkley was assigned to the 459th BG 757th Squadron.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Ball Turret.
The following information on Ralph Burkley is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on Cpl Burkley. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Ralph Burkley's military record please contact us.
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Rank |
General Order |
Date |
Notes |
Award |
Ribbon & Device |
Ralph Burkley |
Cpl |
2298 |
04/12/1945 |
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AM |
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