Richard E. Burgher

KINGSTON-Richard E. Burgher, 70, of Kingston, passed away Saturday at his home. He was born in Harlem, NYC on May 14, 1938 to the late Wilbur and Wilhelmina Burgher. He had three older siblings; Wilbur, Albert and Helen. He attended PS 170, JHS 120, Brooklyn Technical High School, CCNY, graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, with a BS in Psychology; attended Medgar Evers College for computer courses, Brooklyn College for photography classes and received a Certificate of Graduation from the New York Institute of Professional Photographers. He was raised as a Christian Scientist but adopted the Baptist faith, joining Concord Baptist Church in 1982 after meeting Elizabeth. His favorite hymn was Shepherd Show Me How to Go. He joined the Usher Ministry, the Gospel Chorus and the Hospitality Club. He photographed numerous events and people at Concord. He met and later married Elizabeth Shipley, while employed by the NYC Transit Authority, from which he retired in 2001. He had been a letter carrier, Housing Police Officer, salesman, cab driver, Railroad Clerk and Transit Supervisor. He always aspired to be a singer. He moved to Kingston in June 2007, and joined Mount Zion Baptist Church. Richard practiced free-lance photography and loved jazz. His favorite artists were Sarah Vaughn, Nat "King" Cole, Clifford Brown, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. His favorite songs were Repetition and Star Eyes, by Charlie Parker. He was an avid fan of the New York Mets and anybody who beat the Yankees. He was preceded in death by his daughters Nancy Moses and Alberta Burgher. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth; former wife, Bertha Huggins; 4 children, Richard G. Burgher, Brooklyn, NY; Wilhelmina Burgher, Brooklyn, NY; Ruth Burgher-Gibore, Poinciana, FL and Israel Burgher, Jersey City, NJ; 4 grandchildren, Crystal Williams, Nathanael, Timaes and Rachael Moses; five step grandchildren, Fannie, Pashur, Manley, Jamilia and Joseph; sister Helen; step son, Fletcher and his wife, Angelia; one niece, Melody; two nephews, Stephen and Robin; many cousins and in-laws. Homegoing services will be held Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the Mount Zion Baptist Church, Hill Street, Wilkes-Barre, with the Reverend Michael Brewster officiating. A graveside service will be Friday at 9:00 a.m. in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hanover Township. Friends may call Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. Kniffen O'Malley Funeral Home, Inc., Wilkes-Barre, is in charge of arrangements. Send condolences at www.BestLifeTributes.com.