Dr. Roger Dean Burleson

Dr. Roger Dean Burleson, 72 year old, of Cincinnati, formerly a proud Pirate of Wheelersburg passed from this world into his heavenly home on December 28, 2020 at his home, with all of his family by his side after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. He was born in Eccles, WV to wonderful loving parents, William and Lola Burleson who proceed him in death. He is also preceded in death by his son Christopher Burleson. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 48 years, Yolanda “Lannie” Urso Burleson, from Cosenza Italy.

Roger was a vibrant and giving person. His chest swelled when he spoke of how proud he was of his children: Dr. Amy (Michael) Sullivan in Cleveland, Dr. Angela (Jason) Ott in Cincinnati, and Dr. Andrew (Noelle) Burleson in Cincinnati and being a Papa to his 7 grandchildren: Braden, Annalin, Michael B., Juliana, Bennett, Sloane and Storie. He was vibrant and boisterous and his energy filled a room, as did his laugh and smile. He loved people deeply, shared his gifts widely and made people comfortable in his dental practice where he treated tens of thousands of people compassionately and made them laugh, when they were afraid. He was a risk taker, as he went back to dental school at the University of Michigan at the age of 36, after a successful career as a hospital administrator in Midland, MI. He graduated from The Ohio State University and got his MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. He was so very accomplished, but was also grounded, with a giving soul. He loved The Ohio State vs Michigan game and would change shirts mid-game and fly the winning team’s flag, saying “My team always wins” having graduated from both schools. He loved watching his children and grandchildren succeed in sports and also loved watching and playing all sports with his family.

When asking Roger what the secret to his success was, he shared “always put God first and your family next and you will be successful.” Friends are invited to say their goodbye on earth on Friday, January 1 at Harrison Pyles-Funeral Home in Wheelersburg, Ohio from 3-6pm and a full Catholic Mass at 9:45am on Saturday, January 2 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, KY. He will have an entombment service immediately following at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio. We invite you to attend, but ask that you please wear a mask.

Roger asked that donations be directed to the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Program: https://give.ccf.org/give/187824/&_ga=2.23844159.469312105.1609171468-158582958.1608063725#!/donation/checkout?designation=7073

Be in loving joyful peace dearest Roger/Dad/Papa

For you have served us with

Your hands, and loved us with your heart,

and we shall be surrounded by your goodness,

loving dedication and courageous example

for the rest of our days.

Be in loving, joyful peace dearest Roger/Dad/Papa

Arrangements and services by Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.harrison-pyles.com.