Dr. Harold O. Burdick, 77, of Alfred, N. Y., former Milton college professor, died Monday, July 8. Dr. Burdick, born June 26, 1897, in New Market, N. J., was the son of Alberne H. and Josephine Dunham Burdick. He was married to Hannah Shaw in 1919.
He graduated from Milton College in 1919, taught high school for one year in West Virginia, served as professor of biology and chemistry at Salem College, Salem West Virginia from 1920 to 1929, taking time to serve as graduate assistant instructor of zoology at the University of Wisconsin where he was granted his Master of Science degree in 1925, and returned to Milton College as professor of biology from 1929 to 1931.
In 1931 he joined the faculty at Alfred University, Alfred, N. Y., where he served as professor of biology and chairman of the department. He was granted a Doctor of Science degree by Salem College in 1939. From 1948 until 1955 he served as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Alfred and was instrumental in the establishment of a school of nursing at the institution. In 1956 he returned to his teaching and remained active until his retirement a few years ago.
During World War I he trained with the S. A. T. C. unit at Milton College and during World War II he volunteered to work with the American Red Cross, serving as field director in India.
Dr. Burdick is listed in Who's Who in America and American Men of Science in recognition of his educational and research accomplishments. He has had several articles on endocrinology published and contributed much toward cancer research. He served as Director of Alfred University Research Foundation and was a member of the Endocrine Society, American Physiological Society, American Society of Zoology, Society of Experimental Biology and Medicine.
Throughout his life he was an active member of the Seventh Day Baptist Church, serving many positions of leadership on both the local and denominational levels. His interest in young people led him to donate land for Camp Harley Sutton near Alfred.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Frank, and two sisters, Edna and Grace Sanford. Surviving are his wife; three children, Dr. Kenneth Burdick, Redwood City, Calif., Mrs. Carol Hudson, Alfred, N. Y., and Mrs. Judith Downey, Camp Hill, Pa.; and a nephew Rev. Don Sanford, Milton. No funeral services are being planned, but a memorial service will be held July 20, at the SDB Church, Alfred, NY.
