Ralph Burkett

Ralph Edward Burkett, a Livermore resident for 51 years, died March 25. He was 97.

Burkett was born Jan. 18, 1919, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was a civilian employee of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 35 years. Most of his federal employment was as supervisory construction management engineer on extremely large construction projects with the New York and Baltimore engineer districts, prior to being selected in 1964 for assignment with the U.S. Army Engineer Nuclear Cratering Group stationed at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The group was involved with LLNL and other agencies in feasibility studies for a sea-level canal in Central America. After retiring in 1975, he was employed by LLNL for 14 years as a control point operator at its explosive test site, Site 300.

Burkett was a World War II veteran with the U.S. Army, serving mostly with General Patton's Third Army in the European Theatre in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany from 1942-1945. During his tour of duty, he received numerous battle and campaign medals, including the Bronze Star. He was a past member of the American Military Engineers, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He also was a member of Saint Michael Catholic Church. He was an avid sports fan and attended many Oakland A's games.

During his 47 years living on Fourth Street, he delighted neighbors and passersby with his festive house decorations for holidays and special occasions. Late in 2011, he moved to The Chardonnay where he enjoyed four years of care by the staff, frequent card games and his daily crossword puzzles.

Burkett is survived by his daughter, Lisa of San Francisco, and several nieces and nephews. His wife, Katharine, died in March 2000. A rosary vigil was held at Callaghan Mortuary on Monday, April 4. A memorial mass will be held at Saint Michael Church on Tuesday, April 5, at 9:30 a.m. Internment will take place at St. Michael Cemetery.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Saint Michael Church Maintenance Fund, 458 Maple St,, Livermore, CA 94550.