Livonia, NY: At age 65, Michael Joseph Burley passed unexpectedly on December 1, 2020. He was born on August 1, 1955 to the late Marshall and Carrie Burley. Mike was also predeceased by his grandchildren, Ryan Olver, Dylan Robinson, and Zechariah Camara. Survived by his wife of 26 years, Wendy (Morey) Burley and children; Melanie (Dan) Olver of Geneseo, Kathi (Justin) Ford of Livonia, Victoria (Theo) Camara of Mont Alto, PA, and Joshua Burley of Livonia; grandchildren, Hannah and Jacob Olver, Bryanna Robinson, and Seaenna Ford; siblings, Susan Milliman, Cynthia Strasburg, Flint Burley and John Burley; also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, his Livonia United Methodist Church Family, and many friends.
Mike graduated from Livonia Central School in 1973 and soon after went to Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, NY, where he worked for the past 46 years. While working in Quality Control for Kodak he also attended R.I.T. Mike’s true dedication was to his wife and family, but he also enjoyed playing golf, hunting, and sharing a beer with friends. He loved being a part of the Livonia community and volunteered as a travel basketball coach for many years. Mike’s faith in Jesus Christ was always his top priority. He was a devoted member of his church, serving as their lay-leader for 20+ years. He was also very involved in the Western New York Walk to Emmaus Community. When he wasn’t giving up his time to work on a vehicle or house project for someone, he enjoyed cheering on the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees. Mike was a brother, friend, and father-figure to almost everyone he met. His presence will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and being loved by him.
Family and friends may call on Monday, December 7 th , from 4-7pm at the United Methodist Church of Livonia, 21 Summers Street, Livonia, NY where Funeral Services to Celebrate Mike’s Life will be held on Tuesday, December 8 th , at 10am. The service will also be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/UMCLivonia/ . Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Livonia. Guidelines regarding masks and social distancing will be followed. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of Livonia at the address above or to the WNY Walk to Emmaus at the following address: c/o Bridget Lutz, 141 North Lincoln Avenue, Orchard Park, NY 14127. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
There is no doubt that Mike was one of the best. His service to his family, friends, community and the church body in various roles will never be replaced. Mike was an example of what the body of Christ should look and act like. If you want to see an example of how amazing of a man he was for Christ all you have to do is look at his family. Mike we love and we know that nothing can separate you from the love of God. We will see you again in paradise. To Wendy and the rest of the family we are with you and you are close to our thoughts, prayers and hearts.
Wendy and family, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Also to Mike’s many friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. I knew Mike for many years from the Genesee Valley District Lay Servant ministries. Such a wonderful example of humanity was displayed in Mike. He will be greatly missed, until we meet again in heaven. God bless you all and may you find comfort In the care and love your friends and family show you now. Leslie Scialdone
Wendy and family, Flint and Cindy, so sorry for your loss. I missed you and Mike when you moved from the neighborhood when the children were still young. Mike always had a kind word and a smile on his face. He was a hard worker and a good father to the kids.I’m sure you have many memories of yourl life together.My prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Wendy, Victoria, Joshua, Melanie and kathi
So sorry that we did not make it to the calling hours. Just saw when it was
Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
With much love, may God bless you all.
Uncle Ramon, Aunt Lori, Daniel, Mary, Georgie and Penelope
Wendy & family,
Mike was a true friend and an even truer brother in Christ.“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17
May God’s grace and comfort lift you all during your grief.
Wendy, Melanie, Kathi, Victoria, Josh and families… Mike was such an incredible person and one of our dearest friends. We are thankful that we were able to get together a few weeks ago for our typical dinner, cards, and laughs. We will miss Mike so much and our times together. We are sorry that we can’t be with you in person, and hope that God’s love, the prayers of family and friends, and the Mike moments (e.g. toilet paper bride) comfort you during this difficult time. Much love, Bill and Robin
Wendy – I never had the pleasure of meeting you or any of Mike’s family. I met Mike at Walk to Emmaus and was involved with him on several walks and last year at a Lay Servants conference at Camp Asbury. I am proud to have been able to call Mike a friend. He was one of the kindest and sincere men I have ever met. His love of Christ shown brightly in everything he said and did. My sincere condolences to you and your family and please know that any and all who knew Mike were a better person having known him.
Josh and Family,Very saddened to hear about the sudden loss of your Dad. Sorry I’m unable to attend the Services but I send my condolences.
WENDY my sincere thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family..So very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband.
i worked with Mike several years ago at Kodak and remember how moved i was by a tribute he wrote for his grandson Ryan. i have saved that letter (sent to his co-workers) because it touched me so profoundly.Mike spoke of the “difference” Ryan made in his 69 days on earth. i suspect his grandfather has also made a significant ‘difference’ in his 65 years and send my thoughts & prayers to you – his family.
To Wendy and family, I send my heartfelt sympathy to all during this sad time of mourning. I worked with Mike at Kodak for many years, he was such a great guy and fun to work with. He was also in our Kodak Lotto Group for the last 20 years. My heart goes out to all of you as I am feeling very sad to hear of his untimely death. May God Bless all of you. Patty Rask
To Wendy and family, what a warm and loving person Mike was. In the brief time I have known him I was greatly impressed with his smile and winning way.with people. He made a great lay leader for the Livonia church and was a good example for them. I didn’t realize that he was related to the Olvers. I knew Miriam Olver and her brother Howard and their dad Herbert Olver. He was a Free Methodist Superintendent who baptized me many years ago before I went into the ministry.May the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you and give you his peace. Ray Shaw, retired pastor
Wendy and Family,So sorry to learn of your loss. I knew Mike for several years through the Genesee Valley District Lay Servant Ministry of the UMC. We served together on the GVDLSM committee. He will be greatly missed. May the love, peace and comfort of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you always! Diane Maier
Wendy, Josh and VictoriaI am so very sorry for your loss of your dad and husband. Mike was such a kind man and always had a big smile on his face. He was always there to help those in need.
He is still with you in your hearts and memories.
He will be miss by many. Hugs and love
Wendy and Rich Monroe
Michael was the brother of my childhood and my Heart. I did not know him as an adult, but in reading all the stories of how my brother touched the Hearts of so many is giving me such a warmth of who my Brother became as an adult. He Blessed so many people! When I was 12 years old, I so Loved my Brother and my Father so much, I said if I ever had a son, I would name him Michael Marshall and I did. Family United in Heaven, Dad, Mom and Brother. Prayers lifted up to the Lord for Michael’s Family for Strength, Healing and Comfort. In Jesus Loving name I pray, Amen
Wendy and family,We are so sorry for your loss. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wendy & Family, We are so sorry for the loss of Mike. He was a great person and well respected by many that new him. May he RIP and May The Good Lord be with you all!!!
Wendy and family our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you all the strength you possibly need at this time.
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Se are so sorry.
“God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.” JM BarrieMy condolences to all of you on the loss of a man who stood tall to many. I know that your many memories will bring you peace, joy and comfort in the times ahead.
Wendy very sorry to hear of your loss! May God grant you peace during this difficult time.
God bless. Wendy and family, you are in my prayers!!
Dear Wendy and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Mike was great guy, who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers and that we love you. Julie, Sam & Tom Guinta
Wendy and Family,Simply put, Mike was just about the best guy anyone could meet. He was a true friend to us all. Although we know where he is and we know Who he’s with, it is still unexpected. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. My prayers are with you along with my sincere sympathy. May God bless you and hold you in the palm of his hand. Much love, Lou
Cindy,
Sorry for your loss.
Debbie Teed