Richard J. “Ricky” Burgstrom III

Loving son of Richard and Brenda Burgstrom Jr.; and brother of Katelyn Burgstrom. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles: Bruce and Barbara Bonhoff, Susan and Alan Zurawski, Roberta and Stephen Maxwell, Cheryl and Peter Skurzewski, Karen and John Boner and John and Sheryl Burgstrom; and numerous cousins.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Alton and Mary Bonhoff, Ann Burgstrom and Richard J. Burgstrom Sr.

Ricky was a self-motivated individual, driven by his pursuit to be successful but with the passion to please others. While he was reluctant to show a smile, he always strived to make others laugh. Whether he was with adults, family or his peers, everyone felt at ease. They enjoyed his company, wit, and honest desire to make everyone feel comfortable and part of the group.

Music was part of Ricky’s life throughout his high school years. He received numerous acknowledgements for his performance on the trumpet. Then there was BOWLING! It was his passion and continued through to his last day. He earned numerous awards and scholarships including the WDOE Sportsman Award for Bowling. He attained the coveted “300 Perfect game” while bowling in a Men’s League. Ricky got to travel throughout NYS and the country for competitions and tournaments including the National JUNIOR GOLD CHAMPIONSHIP Tournament. He was a desired baseball umpire getting his NYSU-BA certification while still in high school. He was regularly requested because of his experience as a player but more for his desire for fairness. His goal was for all players to enjoy the GAME.

He started and was the very successful owner of his own company – BURGER-KICKS. This introduced Ricky into the “national sneaker community”. His videos and reviews were widely enjoyed for their content and humor. He valued his family time in both travel and work. Yearly trips to New York City to see the Yankees, shows and shopping. He completed and became a NYS licensed real estate agent.

Ricky was a Buffalo Bills season ticket holder for over 20 years, traveling to numerous away games.

Ricky graduated from Fredonia High School with honors, class of 2017. Completed his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) magna cum Laude, class of 2020 at Fredonia State University and was currently enrolled in Canisius College Graduate Program in Business. Ricky was inducted into Phi Alpha Theta (National Honor Society in history) and Phi Sigma Alpha (National Honor Society in political science).

One only wonders where this individual would have gone in the future. His aspirations and goals would have taken him far. He was a leader, but a Ricky leader, leading from within the pack, not from the front.

Visitation will be Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Larson-Timko Funeral Home, 20 Central Ave. Fredonia, where prayers will be offered Saturday at 10:15 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s Church, 145 E. Main St., Fredonia at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick’s memory to Ricky Burgstrom Music/Bowling Scholarship in care of Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, 212 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, NY 14048.

Online condolences may be made at larsontimko funeralhome.com.

Arrangements by David J. Dengler.