Obituary of John L Burdick

John Leland Burdick passed away on Monday July 12, 2021, at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife Amanda (Mandy); four children, John "Andy" of Orangevale CA, Karen of Waltham MA, Russell (Julie) of Hudson MA, and Carl (Jennifer) of Vestal NY and four grandchildren - Evangelina, Megan, Brenna, and Nicholas "Cole". He was preceded in death by parents Leland R. and Inez V. Burdick of Kane PA, and brother Bruce Burdick of GA. John was born in Kane, PA during the Depression. As a child he was fascinated by trains and the westerns being shown uptown on the "Big Screen". After graduating from Kane High School, he enlisted in the Air Force and served overseas during the Korean War. After completing his tour of duty, he returned to the US and attended Bryant and Stratton earning a certificate in accounting. While in the Buffalo area, he met his lifelong companion Mandy, also born in Kane. He was hired at Texaco and worked a wide variety of positions all the while relocating across much of western NY. While still with Texaco in 1965 he settled the family in Vestal. John loved sports, especially baseball and was often seen supporting each of the children's teams for practice and games. On several occasions he traveled to NYC with his Little League sons to watch the professionals in the "Big Show". Though relocated to NY, he never gave up on his favorite childhood team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. John and clan were also active members of the Grace Lutheran Church in Vestal and he particularly enjoyed singing in the choir. He was known for his affable disposition; friendly smile and he was always eager to laugh or poke fun at a situation. In later years He relocated to ME and PA with Texaco and finally retirement in Vestal Center. He loved to say, alluding to both automobiles and his career choice "listen, it's not the years, it's the miles that matter ". He and Mandy traveled frequently in retirement. Sometimes south to the beach communities or west to the likes of Mexico, the Grand Canyon, AZ, CA, and HI. They even rode bicycles down the winding curves of Haleakala on the island of Maui and "hung out" on the cable cars of San Francisco. John loved playing Pinochle, listening and dancing to Polka music and he excelled at ping-pong. He and Mandy were most happy visiting their children's homes where he was often heard claiming, as he walked in the door tired from the long traveling "I'm glad I'm HOME!". It didn't seem to matter where he was, it was always where he most wanted to be - and that made you feel proud and loved. Peace be with you Dad, be careful there in Heaven and don't drop that final hiding "ace of trump" on the last trick being run by the Creator. We miss you already. A service will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in John's name. Condolences may be sent to the family at 132 Grand Ave., Vestal NY 13850.