Richard Lee Burdette, 75, of Ashburn, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026. To everyone who knew him—family, friends, and all who crossed his path—he was simply Burdette, a name spoken with affection and respect.

He is reunited in eternal rest with his beloved wife of fifty years, Carolina Soares Burdette, as well as his mother Evelyn and his brother. Carrying his legacy forward are his daughters, Evelyn Burdette Milton (Jeff) and Melinda Burdette Capitano (Joe), who were the pride of his life. He leaves behind three cherished grandsons—Nicholas Michael Belvin, Lee Glen Milton, and Joseph Stryker Capitano—and eagerly awaited the arrival of his first great‑grandson, already so loved. Burdette is also survived by his second wife and devoted companion, Mary Williamson Burdette, and by a nephew who held a special place in his heart, Raymond Soares.

The United States Marine Corps shaped Burdette’s spirit in ways that lasted long beyond his time in service. The Corps became part of his identity—its values, its honor, and its brotherhood lived in him every day. He carried himself with the quiet pride of a Marine who believed deeply in duty, freedom, and doing what was right.

After the passing of his wife Carolina, Burdette returned to his home state of Virginia to be near his youngest daughter. There, he found community once again. At the local Senior Center, he quickly became known as the Mahjong “king,” a title he wore with a grin and a competitive spark that brought joy to everyone around him.

Burdette’s life was defined by loyalty, love, and the bonds he nurtured with those he held dear. His family invites all who knew him to honor his memory not with flowers, but with acts of kindness—donations to a charity of your choice and, most importantly, time spent cherishing the people you love.

His story lives on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Saturday, March 14 from 3:00-5:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg. Burdette will be laid to rest with military honors on Monday, March 16 at 2:00 PM at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico.