Dr. Maryann Kukucka Burkhard Bailey

Dr. Maryann Kukucka Burkhard Bailey, D.D.S.

Dr. Maryann Kukucka Burkhard Bailey, an accomplished periodontist and dental-care leader whose career spanned private practice and community health, passed away on September 2, 2026 in Maine, leaving a legacy of service to her family, patients and community.

Born Maryann Patricia Kukucka in New Jersey to Joseph and Mary Ann (Degnan) Kukucka, Maryann pursued a lifelong career in dentistry. First, earning her Ohio board certification as a Registered Dental Hygienist, followed by obtaining her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The Ohio State University. Upon completing dental school, Maryann went on to complete an advanced degree in periodontics from the University of Florida. Maryann was a Board-certified Periodontist and a member of the American Academy of Periodontics.

Maryann spent 17 years owning and operating her periodontal private practice in Stuart, Florida. She later moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where she dedicated much of the remainder of her career to community healthcare. She held dental leadership positions at Kent Community Health Center in Dover and Westside Health Services in Wilmington and later served as Chief Dental Officer at La Red Health Center in Georgetown. Throughout her career, Maryann combined her clinical expertise with a commitment to expanding access to quality dental care.

Maryann was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Ann Kukucka, and her husband, John “Frank” Burkhard, who passed away on October 22, 1997. She leaves behind her husband, Stephen Bailey.

Maryann also leaves behind her siblings, including brothers, Joseph, Richard, William and David Kukucka; her sister, Kathleen Kukucka Deltufo; as well as their spouses, and Maryann’s many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews.

Maryann will be remembered for her dedication to her profession, her service to others and, most importantly, the relationships she shared with those she loved. Her legacy lives on through her family and the many patients, colleagues and the communities she served throughout her life.

A Memorial of Life Service will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church at 590 Poplar Street, Elyria, Ohio on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to a charity that would align with Maryann’s wishes i.e., Alzheimer’s Foundation.

Reichlin Roberts Bollinger Funeral Home is honored to assist the family.

www.reichlinrobertsbollinger.com