Obituary of Nicholas Burde

Nicholas “Nick” Burde Jr. passed away February 25, 2020 at Inglemoor Care Center in Livingston, NJ. He was 97 years old. He was born July 3, 1922 to Nicholas and Mary Agnes (Di Benedetto) Burde Sr. and was raised in Belleville, NJ. He married his high school sweetheart, Constance Hamilton, in 1946 at “The Little Church Around the Corner” in Manhattan. They raised two children, who accompanied them on many overseas adventures. Nick and Connie remained inseparable partners for over 70 years. At a very early age, Nick discovered the joy of playing piano, and this remained his passion throughout his life. He was a bandleader at the U.S. Naval Academy, and continued sharing this gift in later years both with family and friends and also at numerous private events. A graduate of John Marshall Pre-law school and the US Naval Academy, Nick served aboard a destroyer during World War II. He spent his entire civilian career as a marine engineer with Exxon, with assignments in New York, The Netherlands and Argentina. After retiring in 1976, he moved with his wife to Gulfport, Florida. They spent much time in retirement traveling, returning to visit many of their international friends. They also volunteered as tutors for Laotian refugees, as active Friends of the Gulfport Library, and in their Gulfport condo community. Nick will be remembered for his zest for life, openness to new experiences, kindness, and devotion to his family. He was preceded in death by his wife Constance, his sister Josephine, and his brothers Palmer and Anthony. He is survived by his two children, David Burde of Simi Valley, CA and Mary Lou Burde and her husband George Moser of Chester, NJ, and by numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the United States Naval Academy Columbarium in Annapolis, MD, where he will be inurned, joining his wife. Arrangements are under the care of Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, Madison.