Russell Earl Burdick

Russell "Russ" Earl Burdick, 95, was born on December 31st, 1929, and was a life-long resident of San Jose, California. He passed away peacefully on the morning of March 16, 2025 after a brief illness.
He was preceded in death by his wife (Carmela), his mother and father (Bonnie and Earl), his brother (Don [Margarita]), and his sister-in-law (Rina). He is survived by his three children (Jeff [Sharon], Laurie [Chris], and Sharon [Martin]), his grandchildren (Erin [Adam], Bobbi, Bonnie [John], Melissa [Gabriel], Ryan [Coree], Trevor, and Lauryn), and his great grandchildren (Evan, Geneva, Colin, Avery, and Elise) as well as many other family members and countless friends.
Russ was drafted into the Navy at age 21 and served for four years. Afterward, he held a job for a short time at The Tuxedo Candy Company, where he met his one and only sweet love, Carmela – theirs, a love story sweeter than the candy they made. Russ retired from Sylvania Electric Company after serving over 30 years as an electronics engineer. He was a very active member of his church - Saint Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Church in San Jose. He (and Carmela) regularly attended Cursillo spiritual retreats. Russ was an incredibly selfless man, and of strong Catholic faith. He had a tremendous heart and an infectious smile. Helping others was one of his great passions in life. He completed innumerous benevolent deeds throughout his lifetime – gleaning and volunteering in soup kitchens to feed the homeless and families in need; he was a proud volunteer at Birthright of San Jose for many years and his work through Birthright made an enormous impact on so many lives, including his own; he worked with Kairos Prison Ministry to bring Christ's love and forgiveness to prisoners and their families. He helped those he'd never met through regular blood donations - just to name a few. His family was his biggest joy in life and his love was always known.
Russ' family would like to thank Father Robert Lamorena, who came to give Russ the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick before he was to see his last sunrise with his family in his heart and his granddaughter, Bobbi, by his side. His physical absence will leave an everlasting void in the hearts of many, filled only by the love he shared with all who he encountered. Rest in Peace to our Patriarch, Russ (Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa). We love you more than words can express.
The visitation for Russ will be held on Friday, March 28th at Darling and Fischer Chapel of the Hills, 615 N. Santa Cruz, Los Gatos, California 95030 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. The recitation of the rosary will begin at 7:00 pm and conclude at 8:00 pm. Funeral mass will be held on Monday, March 31st, 11:00 am, at St. Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Church 1522 McCoy San Jose, California 95130. Graveside service, 12:30 pm, at Oak Hill Cemetery 300 Curtner Ave San Jose, California 95125. The family will hold a reception back at St. Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Church following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Birthright of San Jose, and quality time together with your loved ones.