NORWICH – Robert C. Burdick, 81, of Beebe Avenue, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007at his home.
Born Oct. 19, 1925 in Norwich, Bob was the son of Clarence and Fannie (Drake) Burdick. He graduated from Norwich High School and then served with the United States Army at the end of World War II where he was stationed in Japan. On Dec. 25, 1947, in Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Bob married the former Bessie Kenyon. Following another stint with the Army, he began a career that took him from Ford Homes to Foley Construction, where he worked on the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Eventually, Bob joined General Laboratories and retired thirty-nine years later as a production supervisor. He then drove truck for Chentronics for a short time.
Bob was a founding member of the Chenango County CB Radio Club. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and was a skilled carpenter, making cedar chests for each of his grandchildren. He also enjoyed traveling and took many road trips with his wife, Bessie. Bob had served the City of Norwich as a former member of the Traffic Commission.
In addition to his wife, Bessie, of Norwich, Bob is survived by his children and their spouses, Leroy and Laurie Burdick of Oxford, Priscilla and Pat Hall of Bainbridge, Donald Burdick of Norwich, Bruce and Joan Burdick of Hamilton, Brian and Donna Burdick of Norwich, Steven and Linda Burdick of Oxford, Patti and Tim Davis of Smyrna and Howard and Tonya Burdick of Bainbridge; nineteen grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; his sisters-in-law, Ruth Rippo of Boca Raton, Fla., Rosalia Moreau of East McDonough, Marian Warner of Norwich and Elvira Mudge of Preston; a brother-in-law, James Kenyon and his wife, Shirley of Brisben; a cousin, Noreen Brown of Norwich and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Clarence and William Burdick.
Private graveside services for Bob will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday in Mt. Hope Cemetery with Rev. Susan Polizzi, pastor of the First Baptist Church, officiating. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Bob may be made to Hospice of Chenango County, 21 Hayes Street, Norwich, NY 13815.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.