John C. Burger
1955 -2025
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John C. Burger, 69, of Long Beach, CA, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025.
Born on October 26, 1955, in Beaver Falls, PA, John was the fourth of 11 children of Joline and Dr. Joseph G. Burger. From an early age, John’s playful spirit and sharp mind set him apart. He had an enduring love for games, delighting his younger siblings with mental quizzes and inventive sports competitions. His quick wit and strategic mind made him a formidable game master, a role he embraced with enthusiasm.
As a teenager, John spent his high school days cruising the streets of Beaver Falls with his older brother Joe and close friends Mark C. and Gus G. in a 1976 gold Ford Maverick, the music from his eight-track cassette player blasting. A self-proclaimed “cool cat,” he had a knack for strategy and was an active member of the successful BFHS Chess Club, a passion that remained with him for life.
Before attending college, John participated in a summer intensive science program at the Colorado School of Mines, an experience that fueled his scientific curiosity and gave him a taste of independence. He went on to earn both undergraduate and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Notre Dame (1978, 1979), a place that remained dear to his heart. He frequently returned to campus to cheer on the Fighting Irish.
During graduate school, he met Don Bryne, who would later become his business partner at HRC Fuels. After earning his degrees, John began his engineering career at Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) in Chicago while simultaneously earning an MBA from the prestigious University of Chicago. His career soon brought him to Long Beach, California, a place he fell in love with and made his permanent home. He adored the Southern California sunshine and spent many days riding his bike to Laguna Beach, one of his favorite spots. The warmth and beauty of the region deeply resonated with him, and he cherished the outdoors and the relaxed, sunny lifestyle. It was there that he raised his beloved twin daughters, Alexandra and Zoe.
John was his daughters’ biggest supporter, always cheering them on in every aspect of their lives. He was immensely proud of Alexandra and Zoe, especially their dedication to their education and the hard work that led them to earn their doctorates. He never missed a chance to brag about their accomplishments. As they grew up, he was a constant presence —never missing a sports practice or game, sharing his love of baseball and Notre Dame football with them, and always trying to make them laugh with his jokes, even when they didn’t think he was funny. When they went away to college, they always knew that their dad was just a phone call away and that he would be there for them in an instant, offering support, love, and encouragement no matter the distance.
A pioneer in fuel innovation, John played a pivotal role in developing the unleaded fuel formula at ARCO. This breakthrough significantly reduced the smog that once blanketed the Los Angeles basin in the late 1980s. The formula was later adopted worldwide, marking a major milestone in the fight for clean air. As an independent fuel inventor, he went on to patent two groundbreaking gasoline formulas; No-Lead Aviation Gasoline (AVGAS) and Hydrogen-Rich Gasoline (HRCFUEL). These innovations were driven by John’s desire to change the world and make a lasting impact. His commitment to reducing carbon emissions and revolutionizing the way fossil fuels are used in gasoline reflected his passion for creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.
At the age of 28, John was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. True to his nature, he tackled the challenge head-on by joining the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and its follow-up study, the Epidemiology of Diabetes Intervention and Complications (EDIC). His participation helped advance diabetes research and treatment. In 2023, he was honored as a 40-year survivor by the DCCT/EDIC group.
John was a scientist, engineer, inventor, dancer, cyclist, father, brother, and son. He approached life with curiosity, treating each experience as an experiment, believing that every outcome—good or bad—was an opportunity to learn and grow. He was always smiling and had an energy that could light up any room he walked into. His warmth, humor, and infectious enthusiasm left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
He is survived by his daughters, Alexandra Burger and Zoe Burger (Rajiv Vasudevan); his nine siblings, Jeannine Landry (Greg), Christine Burns (Larry), Joe Burger (Cindy), Tom Burger (Nancy), Mike Burger (Laura), Joline (Walt Smith), Kathleen Burger, Marie Delmonte (Chris), and Jim Burger (Amy); as well as nineteen beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Cecelia Burger.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s name to the DCCT/EDIC Research Clinic, which is dedicated to advancing diabetes research and improving the lives of those affected by the condition. Contributions can be made online by clicking here or by mail to:
Case Western Reserve School of Medicine
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-7035.
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