Rev. Rev. Roy Chetwin Burdick

Rev. Roy C. Burdick, 92 of Florida, MA beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and award winning auctioneer, was the highest bidder for a one-way trip to meet our Lord in Heaven on August 12, 2025 at Berkshire Medical Center.

He was born in Florida, MA on May 3, 1933, a son of Howard A. Burdick and Veda May (Moody) Burdick. He attended schools in Florida and graduated from Drury High School. Roy joined the US Army in 1953. He proudly served his country during the Korean War traveling across Europe training athletes and coaching boxers before being honorably discharged in 1955.

In the following years, Roy worked as a Draftsman at General Electric Co. for over 25 years. Never one to sit still, he also kept busy as an antique dealer, a licensed realtor, and a public speaker. Roy was awarded the title of first State Bid Calling Champion by the Massachusetts Auctioneer's Association in 2003. His unique style earned him the nickname "The Singing Auctioneer." He used his talent to raise money for organizations including his church. He taught budding auctioneers as well.

A man of many talents, Roy was most proud of his time serving God as both a deacon and later as the pastor of The Florida Baptist Church. Through his ministry, he touched many lives as one of the Singing Evangelists and officiated baptisms, child dedications, funeral services, and a number of weddings (including those of his two eldest granddaughters). If it were possible, Roy would have jumped at the chance to perform his own celebration of life as no one could lighten up a solemn occasion quite like him.

Roy enjoyed painting in his younger days. He liked to exercise regularly, having once owned a gymnasium and he enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden. A music lover, he could often be found singing and strumming a guitar. His rendition of "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho" was legendary.

Remaining to cherish Roy's memory are the love of his life and wife of 71 years, Winifred Ione (Roach) Burdick with whom he eloped on August 23, 1953, and two daughters, Suzan Oleson and her husband, Neil of Drury, MA and Holly Sumner and her husband, James of Florida, MA and one son, Travis Burdick and his wife, Laurie of Florida, MA. He also leaves 5 grandchildren including Nathan Sumner, Lacey Cyr (Russell), Gabriel Oleson (Hillary), Rebecca O'Hearn (Nate) and Ashley Burdick; seven great grandchildren including Denis & Elliana Cyr; Anna & Adylyn O'Hearn; Zebulon, Thaddeus, & Augustus Oleson; one sister, Gail LaGess and her husband, Harry of Florida, MA; one brother, Gary Burdick and his wife, Elaine of Wales, MA and nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind an office full of stacks of papers that he would never let his wife throw away.

He was predeceased by one brother, Howard J. Burdick and one sister, Faye Burdick.

Like Roy telling one of his stories, this obituary has gone on long enough. It's time to wrap this up with one final sale. Roy Burdick going, going and Gone.

FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral for Roy C. Burdick will be Wednesday August 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Florida Baptist Church. His burial in the urn made by his son will follow in the Florida Church Cemetery. Calling hours at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA will be Tuesday August 19, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Florida Baptist Church or the Florida Volunteer Fire Dept. in care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com