Obituary of Charles Burdick

Charles P. Burdick of Glenville, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, March 12, 2015. Born on January 26, 1929 in Old Forge, NY to Philip and Mildred White Burdick, he graduated from the Town of Webb schools. He received a scholarship to Cornell University, from which he graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. He completed the ROTC program at Cornell and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Air Force upon graduation. He was called to active duty during the Korean War and served as an air base group adjutant. After completing his service, Charles returned to Old Forge and became general manager of the Blitz Buggy Company, Inc., working with his father designing specialized fire trucks. In 1958, he returned to college and earned a master's degree in education at the University at Albany, then earned a Ph.D in mathematics education in 1972 from Syracuse University. Charles began his 33 year teaching career in 1958 by teaching mathematics at the former Nott Terrace and Linton High Schools, and then went on to teach both math and science at Oneida Junior High School. In 1969, he was named chairman of the Mathematics Department at Mont Pleasant High School, where he taught both math and computer programming. He also taught a graduate course in computer programming, specifically designed for teachers for several summers at the University at Albany and Union College. He was awarded several grants from the National Science Foundation, bringing several new programs to the Schenectady City School District including a new Earth Science curriculum. He also developed the district's first computer lab. In 1965, he co-authored the teacher's textbook explaining the new math for elementary schools, and held classes teaching the new concepts to parents. Charles volunteered as a Boy Scout Cub Master, and, upon retirement, as a Court Appointed Special Assistant by the Schenectady County Family Court for promoting the well-being of children in foster care, which he continued part-time for several years. He also served as a Republican Committeeman. Survivors include his wife, Lucille Caron Burdick, whom he married on September 14, 1957; a daughter, Suzanne (Timothy) Conroy of Albany; a son, Michael (Lisa) Burdick of Schenectady; four grandchildren, Darren Conroy, Kristine Conroy, Aaron Burdick and Samantha Burdick. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Betty. Funeral service, Monday morning, 8:15 a.m. from the Daly Funeral Home, Inc., 242 McClellan St., Schenectady and 9 a.m. at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church (Rosa Rd.), where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours, Sunday afternoon, 3 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment, Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, with military honors at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Hospice of Schenectady County, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 or Jack's Place, c/o Jack Falvo III Foundation, 12 Stonehedge Drive, Gansevoort, NY 12831.