ONEONTA – Kyle G. Burch, 31, went to be with the Lord on October 28, 2016. He was at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY battling Leukemia and passed peacefully with loved ones by his side.

Kyle was born June 6, 1985 in North Charleston, SC, the son of Robert O'Neal Burch Sr. and Linda A. (Sockey) Burch.

Kyle and his family moved to Otego, NY when he was in the second grade and attended St. Mary's School. Coming from a large family the love they shared was an unbreakable bond that continued throughout his life. As a young teen, he discovered community theatre where his talent for acting became evident. His first role was Orpheus' production of The Christmas Carol , and he played "Young Scrooge." With this role, he realized his passion and went onto receive a Bachelors degree in Theatre from SUNY Oneonta. During college, there was a major, personal turning point in Kyle's life. His performance in Misfits Are Monsters Too , led the once shy, quiet Kyle to evolve into a fun-loving, outgoing young man. His brothers and sisters at Alpha Psi Omega fraternity should also be given credit for helping Kyle come out of his shell. They gave him the fraternity name "Cellophane." In his final moments, he passed at the completion of the song, "Mr. Cellophane," showing us that he chose his own time to go.

During college, he met the love of his life, Amber Benedict. She was also involved in theatre. They began dating in 2010 and spent the next 6 years side by side, growing together, experiencing many of life's firsts, and overcoming the challenges young adulthood brings. They lived in New York City, followed by Albany, surrounded by friends wherever they went. He popped the question in March of 2015. Shortly after, they purchased a house, following their hearts in moving back to their childhood area, Oneonta. Here, Kyle found his calling in higher education and was thrilled to accept the position in the Student Accounts Department at SUNY Oneonta. On October 1, 2016, Kyle and Amber were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oneonta.

Kyle continued to pursue his love of theatre with further Orpheus shows, but was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends. It didn't matter what the activity was, as long as they were there. Friends and family were drawn to Kyle's energy, selflessness, warm heart, humor, and compassion. You always knew when Kyle was in the room because of his loud laugh, spontaneous singing, and welcoming energy. A party only "feels" complete when he's present, and he listens like you are the only person in the world.

He is survived by his wife, Amber Burch of Oneonta; his parents, Robert and Linda Burch of Otego; his siblings, Lynn Speenburgh, Robert O. Burch Jr., Sean (JoAnne) Burch, Erin (Greg) Hayden, Tara (Ray) LeBourveau, Corey (Jamie) Burch, Dane (Shannon) Burch, Deidra (Kevin) Kopacki, Sheila (Aleks) Andreic, Bridgette (Adam) Grosek, Sarah (Brandon) Fudala, Damien Burch, Kayla Burch and Justin Burch; his Nana, Virginia Burch; 29 nieces and nephews, 2 great-nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; his father-in-law, Scott Benedict; mother-in-law, Lisa (Jeff) Held; sister-in-law, Kali Benedict; and his dog, Tobie.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Eli William and Joan Sockey and Robert H. Burch; his aunt, Amy Byram; a cousin, Sam Byram; and his dog, Mollie.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 4, 2016 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, with the Rev. David Mickiewicz as celebrant.

Interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Emmons.

There will be at time for visitation following the services at a reception which will be announced the day of the service.

In lieu of flowers, Kyle and his family ask to please consider donations to the Wilmot Cancer Institute Development Office, Alumni and Advancement Center, 300 E. River Road, PO Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627 or to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202

Online condolences may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.