Obituary of Michael A. Burt

The oldest child of four born to the late Constance & Sydney Burt, Michael was born on April 28, 1956 in the Cypress Hills section of Brooklyn where he lived until the age of 12, when his family moved to Roosevelt, NY. This became his new home where many of his most meaningful and lasting friendships began. He attended Roosevelt High School, and graduated from W. Trespar Clarke High School with accolades from all of his teachers. He later studied at NY Institute of Technology in Old Westbury. Writer. Chess Player. Political Pundit. Knick Fan. Healthcare Worker. Brother. Friend. Michael was a renaissance man. In his own words, “Those who know me know I love sports, arts of all kinds, music, political discourse, chess and interesting people.” Unassuming, when he entered the room, he was guaranteed to be the most interesting person around. He would tell of stories that would enthrall anyone within earshot. That is because the exploits of his travels, his knowledge of sports, his political stance and his interactions with the daily world seemed non-traditional and outlandish…but they were prophetically and philosophically true, making him one of the funniest people in the room, just by being him. He enjoyed sharing his views on many and all topics. He would engage anyone on a “greatest of all time” debate in boxing as if he was a coach in the ring. A staunch Knicks fan, if he could, he would have suited up for them in the blink of an eye; and he would have consulted for the JETS front office to build a team that could win. Mostly, he would go toe to toe with anyone on the current state of politics and his disdain for 45 and the antics of his office. His passion was the art of chess. He never claimed to be a Grandmaster, but he competed with the best and he wanted everyone to experience and enjoy the art as much as he did. To that end, it was his joy to teach young girls and boys how to play chess. He didn’t have children of his own, but he often referred to the many Black and Latino girls and boys he mentored as his sons and daughters. He took pride in their accomplishments and reveled at their progress. Over the years, he was responsible for introducing many youth to the art of chess. Michael was also a brilliant writer; perfect for the man with so many stories to tell. His mastery of the written word made his daily communications interesting and enjoyable. While most viewed his talent from his many posts on Facebook and other forums, over the years, he has written many short stories and narratives. He was penning a play based on historical events and a novel for the world to experience. It was bound to be as interesting as the man telling the story. Michael had deep love for his job and co-workers at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. He was unapologetically committed to helping others during the COVID-19 pandemic, refusing to stop working even as his own health was at risk and rapidly deteriorating. He would always share how much attention he received and how much he was spoiled by his co-workers. Michael can now write to his heart’s content, play chess all day, and host daily gatherings from his own podium. All visiting teams to the Garden should beware, he will take his place on the opposing teams rim, knocking out every shot he can. Most of all, he can now breathe freely. Michael is survived by his sisters, Karyn and Charise and brother Craig, his caring co-workers from Downstate and Beth Israel that were like his family, as well as a host of loving family and friends that will miss him dearly.