Obituaries

Rodney J. Burke, of 791 VanOstrand Rd., Lansing, passed away Saturday, September 18, 2010, at the age of 46, at Hospicare, after a courageous battle with renal cell cancer.

Rod's joy was spending time on his boat, "The Dreamer," cooking perch for friends and family at Hibiscus Harbor. He enjoyed fishing and boating on Cayuga Lake right up until his last outing on Sept. 11th.

Born June 2, 1964 in Ithaca, he was a son of Stanley A. and Mary T. (Macera) Burke, who survive him. A 1983 graduate of Lansing High School, Rod was most recently employed with the Millwright's Union #740. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed bow hunting and fishing.

In addition to his parents, Rod is survived by his longtime partner, Missy McDermott, of Lansing; his children, Lucas and Desiree Burke, MacKenzie and Michael McDermott, all of Lansing; sister, Bonny (Nick) Boles of Lansing; brother, Tom (Robin) Burke of Lansing; his grandfather, Rodney Macera of Groton; the mother of his children, Georgette Burke of Freeville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rod was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Helen Macera and paternal grandparents, Martin and Virginia Burke.

Rod was kind, generous, had a contagious smile and a heart of gold. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family.

In honor of Rod, please consider a contribution to Renal Cell Cancer Research Program, c/o Preston Curtis, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 633 3rd Ave., 28th Floor, New York, NY, 10017.

In keeping with Rod's wishes, a private memorial service will be conducted for family members. Lansing Funeral Home is assisting the family.