John Fredrick Burdick

1952 - 2017

WATERFORD, Conn. - John Fredrick Burdick, 64, of Waterford, died Friday morning at home after a long illness.

He was born in Providence on Oct. 22, 1952, the son of Claude and Helen Regan Burdick. He was a graduate of Central High School in Providence, and had been employed as a supervisor of shipping and receiving for Applied Energy in Warwick. John had volunteered as a coach for youth football for many years. He had coached the Darlington Braves, Warwick Patriots and the Chariho Cowboys. He enjoyed camping, fishing and rides on his motorcycle. He loved traveling and watching his grandchildren Zach play lacrosse and Ben play baseball. He was an avid New England Patriots fan. John had a love of music. He was a DJ in his younger days and was often found blasting his favorite songs over his headphones or in the car.

John will be remembered for his wit and great sense of humor. He loved his family and always made everyone feel welcomed in his presence. He and his wife Delores would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on April 25, 2017.

He is survived by his wife Delores "Dee" Burdick, son Stephen Oliveira of Pawtucket, daughter Jennifer Oliveira Jerome and her husband Timothy of Waterford, two brothers, Raymond Burdick and his fiancé Sandra Hackenburg of Warwick, Thomas Burdick and his wife Patricia of Warwick; grandchildren Zachery Jerome of South Burlington, Vt., Benjamin Jerome of Waterford; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Marcia Proffit.

John and his family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, as well as Masonicare Home Healthcare, for their wonderful care in his last days.

Calling hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic, Conn. The funeral will assemble at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday and proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 a.m. in St. Paul Church. Interment will be private in St. Mary Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Muscular Dystrophy Association (www.mda.org). Condolences may be shared on John's memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.