Ronald E. Burgwinkel

Ronald Edward Burgwinkel, 73, of Gardner, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, January 30, 2024, in Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

Born in Clinton on September 19, 1950, he was the son of the late Edwin “Huck” and Mary Elizabeth (Hatstat) Burgwinkel. He graduated from Clinton High School with the Class of 1969 and received his auto mechanics certificate. 

Ron was a United States Army Vietnam War Veteran serving from 1970 to1972 where he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon. Ron was a machinist employed by Norton Co. of Worcester for many years, as well as worked at Nashoba Regional High School in Bolton and Bellefonte’s Cleaners.

Ron was an avid outdoorsman who loved to go hunting, fishing and bird watching. Taking care of all the many backyard animals. He was also a mechanic at heart and loved to work on cars, fast cars, and his favorite car the Dodge Demon. Ron’s love for his family and friends was unmeasurable. Whether it was a trip to Maine with his son, Ronnie or a get together, the times with them was his most cherished memories.

Ron is survived by his wife of 53 years, Theresa “Terry” Burgwinkel of Gardner; his son, Ronald M Burgwinkel of Gardner; his stepmother, Evelyn Burgwinkel of Clinton; four brothers, Edwin H Burgwinkel Gary, Kevin and David McCaffrey; two sisters, Peggie Finch and her husband William of Rindge, NH and Denise McCaffrey; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Michael and Stephen Burgwinkel.

Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2024 at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnels to Towers, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, or on their website at (www.t2t.org). Please reference in memory of Ronald E. Burgwinkel.