BURLINGTON FLATS - Merle D. VanDyke Sr. age 70 of Truman Roadpassed away peacefully on Saturday morning May 15, 2010 in Mary ImogeneBassett Hospital,Cooperstown. He was born on December 23, 1939 in Springfield Center, son of Charlotte Anna Boutwell VanDyke and the late Archie Van Dyke. A lifelong area resident, he was educated in Mount Markham High School. On August 27, 1969 he was united in marriage the former Marjorie Perry in Hartwick. They have made their home in Burlington Flats since 1977. For more than twenty years Mr. VanDyke worked as a serviceman for the American Homes in the town of Warren, retiring in 2003. Merle was known as a jack of all trades. He loved to tinker with anything mechanical especially small engines. He also took great pride in the fact that he built his own home. To all who knew him they will remember a down to earth man who was frank and to the point whenever you had a conversation with him. But you left that conversation feeling a warmth and friendship that only he could give. To his family he was the strength that they all relied on in good times and bad. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family. Surviving him are his loving wife of forty-nine years Marjorie, one son, Merle D. VanDyke Jr. of Mohawk, four daughters, Cora and her husband Joseph Gardner of Warren, Vanessa and her husband James Federow of Burlington Flats, Debra and her husband David Greseck of Richfield Springs, Katherine Yaworski and her companion Charles Coons; his mother, Charlotte Anna VanDyke of Canajoharie, two brothers, Donald VanDyke of NC, Anthony VanDyke of AZ, five sisters, Clara Cromie of Turtleville, TN, Ivy Kellam of Wolcott, Gladys Perry of Canajoharie, Janet Avery of GA, Ruby Brown of Owego, fourteen grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Beside his father he was preceded in death by a daughter Charlene Wysluzaly in 2007, two brothers, Patrick VanDyke in 2009 and John VanDyke in 2010. A graveside funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 2:00 pm in Schuyler Lake Cemetery. The Reverend Alan Miller will officiate. There are no calling hours. Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.