Ronald Burgwinkel

Ronald "Atomic Ron" Burgwinkel, 52, of Gardner passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, in the Heywood Hospital from complications of COVID with his loving mother by his side.

Born in Worcester, on March 4, 1973. He was the son of the late Ronald E. Burgwinkel and survived by his mother Theresa "Terry" (Hunter) Burgwinkel of Gardner. He received his education through the Clinton School system where he formed lasting connections and memories with his Best Bud Tony Costa. During his time at Seven Hills in West Boylston, he was invited to speak with student doctors-an experience he greatly enjoyed. At the age of seven, Ronnie was chosen as a theme child for United Cerebral Palsy in Boston. Later, while attending FFLAC in Fitchburg, he joyfully participated in the Special Olympics alongside many of his friends.

Ronnie had a deep love for music, especially Billy Idol and Steve and Josie Stevens. He was a proud member of the Billy Idol & Steve Stevens Fan Club, run by Carole and Dave Page of Spain, and was also part of the Billy Idol Family with Tom Ochs, Matthew (Toast) Young and Judi Dozier. Always treated as a VIP at Billy Idol concerts in Boston, his uncle Robert and Cindy Hunter made sure he never missed a show. Through his computer-his true lifeline-Ronnie formed special, lasting friendships with people all around the world.

During his time at Wachusett Manor Nursing Home, Ronnie loved playing Bingo with his many friends. He also cherished hunting trips to Maine with his father, grandfather Huck, his special friend Philip, and uncles Steve, Mike and Eddie. As a child, he especially enjoyed going bowling with his cousin Tyler. Ronnie also had a lifelong love of motorcycles, fast cars, big trucks, and the many pets who brought him joy throughout his life.

He leaves many loving family and friends so special Karina Benavides Diaz Family, Don, Julie, Marlon Monteiro, Pam, Heidi, Nikki, Scott White, and Ted Ellis.

He is survived by his loving grandmother Evelyn (Nichols) Burgwinkel of Clinton. Gary McCaffrey, Kevin McCaffrey, Denise McCaffrey, David McCaffrey, Edwin Burgwinkel, Peggy, Bill, Tim Finch and Emily and family. Cindy Tobey Hunter, Great Aunt Juanita Benson, Kathy, Jeff Morgan, Jim Boudreau & family-Sandra Dion, James Hunter, Henry Hunter and family. Great Uncle Bill Hatstat, several cousins.

Burial will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street Winchendon MA.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Blvd Staten Island NY 10306. Please reference in Memory of Ronald "Atomic Ron" Burgwinkel.