Joel Dean Burdett

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Railroad Carpenter and Farmer

Notes:

As a young man Joel, went to Alfred College to learn machine shop work at the same time working on his father's farm in Big Creek, where according to the 1917 Steuben County Directory, Joel owned one horse. He worked as a carpenter for the Erie Railroad until his retirement, also owned a farm on Bald Hill in the town of Hornellsville, NY for over 40 years. He was a highly skilled carpenter, enjoyed drawing horses and liked Ford cars and trucks.

In the 1950s had potatoes on the farm, had recent bought a new potato digger and would bag up a few bushels of potatoes each day and take to work at the railroad and sell them for a dollar a bushel to earn some extra spending money.

Grandma would call him Joe’d (sometime J. D.)

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/71173916/joel_dean-burdett

Joel married Polly Tanner Allen on 22 Feb 1922 in Hornellsville, Steuben County, New York. Polly (daughter of Andrew K. Allen and Viola Deanthe Ferrin) was born on 01 Feb 1899 in Almond, Allegany County, New York; died on 06 Feb 2004 in Hornell, Steuben County, New York; was buried in Rural Cemetery, Hornellsville, Steuben County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 25 Mar 1943, Rochester, Monroe County, New York; World War II - Technical Sergeant 93rd Bombardment Group, Army Air Force (Boracroton,FL) 231st Base Unit, Army Air Force (Alamogordo,NM 1945)

Notes:

Hobart was born at home in the town of Howard. After graduating Alfred-Almond Central School he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps, during World War II, where he was stationed at Boracroton,FL and Alamogordo,NM(at the time of the first atomic bomb test). In the Air Corps, Hobart attained the rank of Technical Sergent and repaired planes such as the B-26, and B-17, he was also one of the first mechanics to work on the B-29 and flew on its madian flight. After the war he attended college at the Buffalo State Technical Institute and received a degree in Metallurgy Technology (1950). Following college Hobart work at Republic Steel, in Buffalo until he left during Union strikes. He returned to Hornell, where he worked for the Erie Railroad as a carpenter and also worked at the railroad store house. He was an avid bowler and at the time of his death he was living in Hartsville.

Birth:
Born on the family farm in Fremont, but register birth in the town of Howard (Town of Howard boundry was across the street).

Hobart married Rosa May Hayes on 31 Oct 1945 in Painted Post, Steuben County, New York, and was divorced est 1946. Rosa (daughter of Darwin Roger Hayes and Mabelle Bennett) was born on 3 Feb 1926 in Painted Post, Steuben County, New York; died on 22 Nov 2008 in Aurora, Arapahoe County, Colorado; was buried in Hampden Memorial Estates. Denver, Denver County, Colorado. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Hobart married Geraldine Pearl Hickey on 5 Apr 1947 in Painted Post, Steuben County, New York, and was divorced in 1949. Geraldine (daughter of John Francis Hickey and Stella M. Smith) was born on 01 Nov 1927 in Painted Post, Steuben County, New York; died on 04 Jan 1994 in Hornell, Steuben County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Hobart married Joyce Elaine Mehlenbacher on 13 Nov 1954 in Roulette, Potter County, Pennsylvania. Joyce (daughter of Harvey Mehlenbacher and Madeline F. Phillipson) was born on 23 Sep 1932 in Canisteo, Steuben County, New York; died on 13 Feb 2001 in Arkport, Steuben County, New York; was buried in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, Steuben County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Marianna V. Burdett Matlega, 85, passed away Wednesday (May 5, 2010) at the Hornell Gardens.
Born in Fremont, Jan. 29, 1925, the daughter of Joel and Polly T. Allen Burdett, Sr., she was a lifelong area resident. She had worked for the former Huguets Silk Mill in Hornell and Canisteo. Marianna belonged to the Red Hat Society, enjoyed animals and artwork and was especially known for her pencil drawings.
She was predeceased by her parents and her two brothers, Douglas and Hobart Burdett.
She is survived by a sister, Margaret Drake of Hornell; four brothers, Paul (Betty) Burdett of Nunda, Joel D Burdett, Jr. of Hornell, Donald Burdett of Hornell and James (Anna) Burdett of Geneseo; as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family will be present from 4-5 p.m. Saturday at the Robertson Funeral Home (at Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo St., Hornell), where funeral services will take place at 5 p.m. on Saturday, with the Rev. Michael Childs officiating. Burial will be in Hornell Rural Cemetery

Mary married Peter Martin Matlega, Jr. on 10 Jul 1954 in Hornellsville, Steuben County, New York, and was divorced on 19 Mar 1962 in Geneva County, Alabama. Peter (son of Peter Martin Matlega and Josephine Kaezor) was born on 16 Feb 1929 in Scarbro, Fayette County, West Virginia; died on 10 Jun 2011 in Bath, Steuben County, New York; was buried in Saint Patrick's Cemetery, Prattsburgh, Steuben County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Margaret V. Drake, 91, of North Main St., passed away Monday (September 25, 2017) at home.
Born in Hornell, NY, September 14, 1926, the daughter of Joel and Polly (Allen) Burdett, she had resided in Hornell all of her life. On May 1st, 1947, Margaret married William Drake who predeceased her in 2009. She loved to take care of birds and all of her flower beds. Margaret loved the NY Yankees, she and William used to attend games in the Bronx. She was very fond of Elvis and even saw him live in concert. Margaret enjoyed making things for her granddaughters. The most important thing in her life was her family. Margaret was employed for 20+ years at the Hornell Evening Tribune, where she loved her job and all of the people she worked with loved her.
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband; William Drake, 4 brothers; Paul, Hobart, Douglas and Joel Burdett, 1 sister; Marianna Matlega and 1 great grandson; Xavier Drake.
She is survived by 3 sons; William J. Drake of Hornell, Daniel W. (Barb) of Greenville S.C. and Douglas (Lynda) Drake of Hornell, 2 brothers; Donald Burdett of Hornell and James (Anna) Burdett of Geneseo, 1 sister-in-law; Betty Burdett of Nunda, 6 grandchildren; Jeremy Drake, Holly Drake, Zachary Drake, Emma Drake, Catie Drake and Hayley Drake, 2 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.
To send a remembrance to the family, please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com. The family is being assisted by David W. Ames, Director.
The family will be present from 5-8PM on Friday, September 29, 2017, at the Bender - Brown & Powers Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at the Bender - Brown & Powers Funeral Home on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 11:00 AM, Rev. Craig Brittingham officiating. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery, Hornell.
Friends may make memorial contributions to: the Hornell Area Humane Society.

Margaret married William Orlan Drake on 1 May 1947 in Big Creek, Steuben County, New York. William (son of William Henry Drake and Mary E. Perry) was born on 10 Mar 1923 in Hornell, Steuben County, New York; died on 30 May 2009 in Hornell, Steuben County, New York; was buried in Rural Cemetery, Hornellsville, Steuben County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 17 Jun 1946, Hornell, Steuben County, New York; US Army Air Corps Finance Dept. Discharged Jun 1949

Notes:

Nunda, N.Y. - Paul S. Burdett of Nunda, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday (Oct. 20, 2010). He was born May 24, 1928 in Hornellsville, the fourth child of Joel D. Burdett and Polly Allen Burdett. He graduated from Alfred Almond Central School, attended Cornell University and served his country in the Army Air Corps for three years. He married Betty J. Franklin on June 26, 1949 in Bowie, Texas. They were married 61 years. Paul worked for N.Y.S.E.G. for 37 years, retiring in 1988 as East Central area manager for customer service. He was active in church and community affairs for many years. He was an ordained elder in the Reformed Church in Chatham, and the Otego Presbyterian Church in Otego. Along with his wife, Betty, he served as youth leader for jr. and sr. highs in Chatham. For many years he taught electric programs to 4-H clubs. He was president of the Oneonta Rotary Club, the Oneonta Chamber of Commerce and Central N.Y. Heart Assoc. He was a member of the Board of Directors of A.O. Fox Hosp. for many years and served as chairman of the board for one term and co-chair of a multi-million dollar campaign to build an addition onto the hospital.
Paul's enthusiasm for Rotary led his co-workers to christen him "Mr. Rotary." He exemplified the Rotary motto, "service above self."
After retiring and returning to Western New York, Paul served as president of the Nunda Rotary Club, delivered food for the community food pantry and was on the founding committee of the Livingston County Habitat for Humanity.
Paul was an expert woodworker and loved working on his various homes, building furniture and growing vegetables for family and friends.
Paul loved his wife and family, and the high point of his summers was the Burdett Reunion, where generations of brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins gathered for a day of food, fun and fellowship.
Paul is survived by his wife, Betty; son, Paul; grandsons, Eric, Forrest and Liam; three brothers, Joel D., Donald S. of Hornell, James (Anna) of Geneseo; one sister, Margaret Drake of Hornell; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Hobart and Douglas; and sister, Marianna. Calling hours are from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at the Oakland Wesleyan Church with funeral immediately following, Pastor Paul Palmer will officiate. Burial in Rural Cemetery in Hornell. Memorial donations may be made to the Oakland Wesleyan Church or the American Heart Association of Central New York, Utica. Arrangements are with the Mann Funeral Home, Nunda


Paul grew to adulthood on the small family farm on Bald Hill. He attended Elementary school at the one room schoolhouse of District #9 through the eighth grade. He attended High school at Alfred-Almond Central School. Attended Cornell University for one year before enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1946, as soon as he reached the age of eighteen. Served in the Finance Dept. of the Air Corps until discharged in June 1949. At which time he married and moved back to Hornell, as Paul prepared to return to Cornell University to continue his education with the assistance of the G.I. Bill. After one semester and due to a very difficult pregancy that Betty was experiencing, they decided to return to Bowie,TX, where Betty's mother was a nurse in the Bowie Hospital. Paul went to work for Betty's uncle G.W. Menasco in the Roofing and Construction business covering northeastern Texas and southern Oklahoma. Later Paul worked for a few months in grocery stores in Wichita Falls,TX until the family moved back to Hornell,NY, where Paul was offered a job with the New York State Electric and Gas Corp. to start on February 1, 1951. They lived with Paul's mother and father for a short time until they could rent a small apartment in Almond,NY. Their landlord in Almond was Mr. and Mrs "Tinker" Burdick, a wonderful older couple who doted over Paul Jr. and did many things to make life easier for the family. In May 1952 Paul was promoted to a position which required them to move to Plattsburg,NY. From there they moved for the company to Chatham, Binghamton, Plattsburg, and finally to Oneonta,NY. Paul retired from NYSEG on April 12, 1988 after serving in several management positions.
After retirement Paul helped form the Executive Service Corps of Otsego and Delaware Counties. The purpose of which is to help not-for-profit agencies and small businesses with management problems which are hampering the success of the agency or business. During the course of his business career and since retiring Paul has served in many community service agencies either as a volunteer worker or member of the governing board. Some of the organizations he has served is the Boy Scouts, 4-H Clubs, County Extension Services, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Hospital Board of Directors, United Way, Cancer Society, and the American Heart Assn.

Paul married Betty Jean Franklin on 26 Jun 1949 in Bowie, Montague County, Texas. Betty (daughter of Jesse James Franklin and Minnie Estelle George) was born on 26 Jun 1932 in Bowie, Montague County, Texas; died on 25 Feb 2025 in Mount Morris, Livingston County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 1951; Korean War US Army, Battlefield Medical Corpsman

Notes:

Hornell, N.Y. - Joel Dean "Papa" Burdett, Jr., 81, passed away late Wednesday afternoon (March 2, 2011) at his home on Bald Hill Road.
Born in Hornell on Dec. 23, 1929, he was a son of the late Joel D. Burdett Sr. and Polly Tanner Burdett. In 1953 he was married in Painted Post to the former Geraldine P. "Gerry" Hickey, who predeceased him on Jan. 4, 1994, after 41 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his grandson, Shane Burdett; his sister, Marianna Burdett; also his three brothers, Douglas, Hobart and Paul Burdett, Sr.
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Dean was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School, class of 1947. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1953.
He was employed with Dresser-Rand in Painted Post and before his retirement he was employed for 38 years with NYSEG in Hornell as a Continuing Property Records Representative.
Dean was a member of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Quarter Century Club of NYSEG as well as the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440 in Hornell.
An avid woodworker, he also enjoyed being a "foreman." He loved his grandchildren and great-grandson and will be remembered most of all for his generosity and for being the "greatest man ever."
His family includes his daughter, Robin Ann Burdett of Hornell; his son, Rocky Alan (Linda) Burdett of Hornell; his two grandchildren, Dakota (Ann) Burdett of Hornell and Polly Tanner (Daniel) Kiely of Trumansburg; his great-grandson, Joel Valentino Burdett of Hornell; his sister, Margaret Drake of Hornell; his brothers, Donald Burdett of Hornell, James (Anna) Burdett of Geneseo; and his sister-in-law, Betty Burdett of Nunda; also his nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours are from 3-7 p.m. Monday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell, where the Hornell American Legion Post will conduct a memorial service at 7 p.m. Monday. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Deacon Daniel Slattery officiating. Committal services and interment, with military honors, will follow at Rural Cemetery, Hornell.
The United States flag and the Army flag will proudly fly at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., an exclusive provider of Veterans Funeral Care, in honor of Dean's service with the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to either the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, N.Y. 14843 or to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, N.Y. 14830. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

Joel married Geraldine Pearl Hickey on 18 Jul 1953 in Hornell, Steuben County, New York. Geraldine (daughter of John Francis Hickey and Stella M. Smith) was born on 01 Nov 1927 in Painted Post, Steuben County, New York; died on 04 Jan 1994 in Hornell, Steuben County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 1953; US Army - Corporal

Notes:

HORNELL-Donald S. Burdett, 84, passed away peacefully late Monday evening (March 19, 2018) at the home of his niece ad loving caregiver, Robin Burdett, with whom he resided on Bald Hill Road in the Town of Hornellsville.

Born at the family homestead on Bald Hill Road (Town of Hornellsville) on Sept. 3, 1933, he was a son of the late Joel and Polly (Allen) Burdett. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his four brothers, Hobart, Paul, Dean and Douglas Burdett; and his two sisters, Marianna Matlega and Margaret Drake.

A lifelong resident of Hornell, Don was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School and attended the Bryant and Stratton Business School in Buffalo. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Army from 1953 to his honorable discharge as a Corporal in 1955.

Before his retirement he was employed at SKF Industries in Hornell and also was a sales representative for the Kaiser Match Company.

Don was a member of the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440 in Hornell and was an avid bowler and photographer and enjoyed collecting stamps and coins; he also loved animals, especially his cats.

His loving family includes his brother, James (Anna) Burdett of Geneseo; his sister-in-law, Betty Burdett of Nunda; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Donald S. Burdett.

Calling hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell, where a funeral and committal service, with military honors, will follow at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Craig Brittingham officiating. Interment will be in Bath National Cemetery.

The United States flag and the Army flag will proudly fly at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in recognition of Don’s military service.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, N.Y. 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 1973-1977; US Navy Seabees

Notes:

David graduated from Arkport Central School in 1973. He served in the Armed Forces with the U.S. Navy Seabees, in which he operated heavy equipment. After leaving the Navy, he resided in Colorado and Washington states, working as a core driller.

Military Service:
Heavy equipment operator

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 1974-1978; US Army

Notes:

Paul Jr. started school in Binghamton,NY and when he was ten years old his parents moved to Chatham,NY. When he was seventeen his parents moved back to Plattsburg,NY where he graduated from High School in 1968. He entered college at State University of New York at Plattsburg in 1968 and graduated in 1972. After graduation he married Sandra and moved to Wichita Falls,TX where he studied for his masters degree. He completed all his academic requirements for his masters degree in eleven months and accepted a fellowship to study for his Doctorate at Dalhousie University, in Halifax,Canada. Upon completing his academic work at Dalhousie he enlisted in the U.S. Army with the promise of a commission upon completing basic training. However, during basic training he fell on icy concrete steps and fractured a vertebrae which caused the Army to declare him physically unable to assume the duties of a commissioned officer. He was allowed to complete his enlistment period as an enlisted man, and then was discharged in 1978. Paul has since been teaching various English courses at the college of Staten Island, part of the City University of New York, with a short stint of work with AT&T and Wagner College.

Paul married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Paul married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Paul married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Paul married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Wayne Matthew Slife on 2 Feb 2014. Wayne was born on 28 Jul 1986. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Jaimee Lockwood on 17 Oct 2021 in Arkansas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Shane was engaged to Jessie Booth, of Canaseraga, in December of 1996.

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Published Obituary
Joel William Burdett, aged 2 months, passed peacefully in the arms of his loving mother on the evening of June 26, 2012 at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas. Joel came into this world much earlier than planned on April 24, 2012 in Shenandoah, Texas and weighed at birth 1 pound, 12 ounces.
Joel put up a tough fight with every issue that was put in his path and bounced back more times than anyone expected. In the end, there were too many obstacles for his little body to handle.
He found comfort in holding his mother’s finger and listening to her voice every day. His favorite game was peek-a-boo, and he seemed to enjoy keeping his doctors and nurses on their toes. He will be missed by all who knew him and those who prayed for him all across the country.
Joel William was the son of Andrew and Rebecca (Walker) Burdett of New Caney, Texas. He is also survived by his half-brother, Drew Burdett; his maternal grandparents, William and Kathleen Walker, of Conroe, Texas; and his paternal grandparents, James and Anna Burdett, of Geneseo, New York.
In lieu of flowers, we would be honored if you would direct donations to the Ronald McDonald House in your area, as they allowed us to spend all the time we wanted with our little peanut.



Notes from Joel's Mother:
I kept a journal of thoughts for Joel, sort of like letters to him. It's the same journal where I kept copious notes regarding his day to day progress, so when the doctors did rounds I really felt a part of things. I sang the Sunshine song, played peek-a-boo, and held his hand for hours on end. Joel was my life.

Andrew has been the rock, the glue that kept us all stable. He lifted our family in our darkest times and always kept hope alive. He was always there with unrelenting love and support, gave Joel "pep talks" before surgeries, and provided great comfort to every member of our family.

Joel was blessed to have a big brother. But Drew's not just any big brother, he's the best big brother a baby could ever hope to have. He accepted Joel into his heart with open arms. It's so fitting that Drew should share a picture with Joel of R2-D2 and C-3PO from Star Wars. Unable to speak, R2-D2 communicates through a series of beeps and alarms like Joel did, and C-3PO understands and guards over him, just like Drew did. This brother's love was undeniable.

Joel was also blessed to have terrific grandparents, both near and far. They rallied around us, surpassing all others with their love and support. This love can only be described as unconditional. Their presence brought comfort to young Joel as well as provided sturdy support for us as parents as we faced insurmountable obstacles. Their selflessness and time communicated volumes to all of us. Their devotion was clear.

In addition to those at the service, Joel has extended family and friends who have lovingly provided support from across the miles.

No one can deny the overwhelming effect this small child had on all who touched his life. Starting his journey in The Woodlands, Joel melted the hearts of the doctors, nurses, and staff. Even after he'd left their care, they reached out to him and his family. When Joel was transferred to the facility downtown, he managed to soften the hearts of a new medical staff, who day after day witnessed the incredibly brave journey of a boy too young for this world. He defeated the odds and broke more barriers than anyone could imagine. His days with us have been truly divine. In his darkest days, he fought through and stayed strong; his strength enabling us as a family to survive another loss in our lives. An infant of only a few pounds, Joel provided support to us as we grieved, thus helping us to pull through and prepare for what was to come. But as days went by, Joel's spirit could no longer be contained in his frail young body.

Joel's time with us was brief yet equally profound. He has touched our lives and made us all better people in the eyes of God. And for that, we must be truly grateful.