Burke A. Galer, of New Hartford, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2013, at his home, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Utica, the son of the late Everett and Helen French Galer and was educated in Utica schools. Upon graduation, he entered the US Army and was assigned to the 5th Infantry Division as a rifleman, serving in the Ardennes, Central Europe and Rhineland Campaigns. Burke rose to the rank of Corporal and was the recipient of the Purple Heart. After WW II, he studied violin at the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Eastman School in Rochester. Burke later received his BS and MS degree''s from SUNY Potsdam. For 25 years he taught violin with the New Hartford Central School District, retiring in 1985. Burke was a member of the New Hartford and Oneida County Historical Societies, the New Hartford American Legion Post #1376, the Oneida County Music Teachers Association and the Sons of the American Revolution. He was also a life member of the Purple Heart Society, the American String Teachers Association and was a member, past president and past treasurer of the New Hartford Kiwanis Club. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Regina Sfeir Galer; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Charles (Nancy Burt) Galer of Taos, NM and David Galer of New Hartford; two adored granddaughters, Olive and Meena Galer; a sister, Dierdre Thomson of Freehold, NJ; a sister-in-law, Marion Galer of Philadelphia, PA; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Stephen. The funeral will be Tuesday at 10 am from the Bentz Funeral Service, Inc., 470 French Road, Utica/New Hartford, with his sister, Rev. Dr. Dierdre Thomson officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Crown Hill Memorial Park, Clinton. Calling hours are Monday from 4-7 pm. Members of the New Hartford American Legion will meet Monday evening at 6:30 and members of the Purple Heart Society will meet at 6:45 at the funeral home.