Chad F. Burdick

ALDER CREEK - Chad F. Burdick, 72, of State Route 28, a former longtime resident of Pond Avenue, Forestport, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY.

He was born in Rome on July 14, 1953, a son of Francis E. "Frank" and Stella Fitzryk Burdick. Chad grew up in Forestport and received his education at Forestport Central School, before graduating from Adirondack High School, Boonville, with the Class of 1971. Thereafter, he continued his education at MVCC Utica, where he studied surveying.

As a child he had fond memories spending time at the Fitzryk Farm on Route 294, West Leyden, NY, playing with his cousins Robert and Dennis Howell. They came every summer by train from Cleveland, OH, to spend time on the farm. For many years, Chad's father, Frank, operated a logging and sawmill business in Forestport. Chad began his working career as a child in the woods logging with his father Frank. In the spirit of his dad, Chad possessed a very strong work ethic and used to quip that "work is my hobby." At age 14, Chad purchased his first backhoe, and at age 16 he purchased his first Mack dump truck, which is still being used by the business. Chad founded his own business named Burdick Construction Co. in 1971, following his high school graduation. Following in his father's footsteps, Chad II at an early age joined his father in his construction business, now known as Burdick Construction Co. LLC.

Chad and his father Frank were appointed Water Commissioners for the Town of Forestport in the early 1970s.

Previous winters for many years, Chad would harvest logs and haul to LaFargeville, NY, for pulpwood. He bid and screened state winter road sand at various locations for the state in the Adirondacks for several years.

While in his early teen years, Chad was hired to do odd jobs and maintenance for Gilbert Butler/Local Philanthropist, and the Kernan Family. This working relationship continued with Mr. Butler in later years in the 1980s. Chad became manager of the Black River Game Farm and Black River Horse Farm, while still operating his own business, Burdick Construction Co. Through the years, Chad become very involved in the construction and management of Mr. Butler's outdoor recreation and trail systems, which is now known as BREIA and Black River Outdoor Education Center. Chad spent countless hours grooming BREIA Cross-Country Ski Trails and the operation manager of the Gilbert Butler Estate.

On June 23, 1990, Chad was married to Sue A. Knisely at the United Methodist Church of Alexandria Bay, NY. At that time the couple settled on Route 28, Alder Creek. Through that union, they had two children, Chad II and Cristie.

Chad was a former member of the Forestport Fire Fighters and a Trustee of Alder Creek Cemetery Association.

For many years, he and his family looked forward to taking a ride and enjoying a dinner out on Sunday. Chad will be greatly missed by his family, friends and business community. He shared stories, laughs and smiles with many he got to know at the local diners and Cliff's in Alder Creek.

He was predeceased by his parents, the late Frank and Stella Burdick, and a brother Garfield. He is survived by his wife Sue of Whitesboro, NY, a son Chad II, Alder Creek, NY, a daughter Cristie, Forestport, NY, her partner Alen, and two granddaughters he greatly adored, Alina and Mila, who fondly knew him as Grandpy. He leaves behind friends who were an integral part of his life, Bruce Myers, Gilbert Butler, and Dr. Adam Seigers.

Special thanks to Dr. Seigers for not only his friendship to Chad for many years, but also for his care, compassion and support to him and his family.

With honoring Chad and his family's wishes, there will be no calling hours. Interment at Alder Creek Cemetery and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Please consider a monetary donation in Chad's memory to the Alder Creek Cemetery Association, PO Box 25, Alder Creek, NY 13301.

His funeral arrangements are in care of the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler St., Boonville, where online messages of sympathy and fond memories of Chad may be shared at www.trainorfuneralhome.com.