Rick A. Burlingame 1961-2026

Born May 12, 1961, in East Liverpool, Rick was a 1979 honors graduate of Beaver Local High School. A hard working man throughout his life, he dedicated 28 years of service to Vallourec Steel before retiring in 2023.

To know Rick was to know someone who loved deeply, gave quietly and always managed to make people laugh when they least expected it. He had an unforgettable sense of humor, and since his passing, story after story has been shared about the funny things he said, the laughs he caused and the kind of man he was.

Rick was strong in every sense of the word — hardworking, dependable and never afraid to tell it like it was. He was a straight shooter who believed in honesty, loyalty and showing up for the people he cared about. Whether he was helping someone fix a problem, building something with his hands, or simply being there when someone needed him, Rick was the kind of man people could count on without hesitation. Beneath his tough exterior was an incredibly caring and generous heart that touched far more people than he ever realized.

Rick’s greatest joy was the life he built with his wife and best friend, Penny. Married on Dec. 28, 1996, the two were inseparable. Whether they were visiting the local casino, watching sports together, or simply spending time at home, they enjoyed life side by side.

Rick loved sports of all kinds. He was a loyal fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Steelers, affectionately referred to by him as “the bums,” and especially the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was fiercely competitive and spent many years playing softball, primarily with the East Liverpool Merchants, and also enjoyed golfing in the Mount Carmel Society Golf League. He was a proud member of Austintown Eagles #3298.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Penny J. Smith Burlingame of Austintown; son, Kevin S. (Kylee) Carr of Columbus; mother-in-law, Janet L. Smith of Austintown; mother, Joan Casto Burlingame of Lisbon; sisters, Robin (Don) Bunch of Lisbon and Terri Lang of Calcutta; and brother-in-law, Neil (Clair) Smith of Wellsville. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and lifelong friends who will miss him dearly.

Rick was preceded in death by his father, Robert E. Burlingame; mother, Mary Miller Bowyer; his darling daughter, Amy R. Burlingame; father-in-law, Thomas B. Smith; brother, David Dozier Sr.; brother-in-law, Brian T. Smith; and his precious baby dog, Athena.

Per Rick’s wishes, there will be no services.

Though his family’s hearts are broken, they take comfort in knowing how deeply loved Rick was and how many memories he leaves behind. His laughter, loyalty, and presence will be missed more than words can say.

Arrangements are being handled by Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland.

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