Nathan was born with an abnormal heart that required several open-heart surgeries. He suffered two strokes as well as a heart transplant by the age of 10. He endured many examinations and testing procedures to treat his condition with bravery, clarity, and purpose. The family moved to Michigan in 2000, where Nathan attended Haslett High School. He also attended and earned an Associate’s Degree at Lansing Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree from Ferris State University. Nathan was employed as a film editor for Good Fruit Video.
Nathan confronted many obstacles related to his disabilities head on and was an inspiration to many. Armed with a naturally good sense of humor, he managed to take the world on. Despite having lost the use of his right side due to a stroke, he learned to drive, which gave him great independence. He also was a fierce advocate against discrimination of others with disabilities.
Nathan was a very family-oriented man. He was a devoted and loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend. He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan.
He is survived by his parents, Kenneth and Marlene (Cutrona) Burleson; his paternal grandmother, Stella Burleson; his brother Nicholas (Wendy) Burleson, and nieces Genevieve and Gabrielle Burleson; uncles Paul (Darlene) Cutrona and Chuck (Terri) Burleson; aunt Carol (Joel) Burke; and cousins Paul James, Sean, and Christopher Cutrona, and Jennifer and Laura Burke. Special thanks to JC and Debbie Stehlik for the guidance and love to Nathan and to those too numerous to mention for their love and admirations.
Nathan was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Paul and Janice Cutrona, and his paternal grandfather Clarence Burleson.
The family would like to thank the University of Michigan Heart Transplant Cardiology Department, the nurses, and staff of floor 7B at the Alfred Taubman Health Care Center, the Frankel Cardiovascular Center, as well as the doctors and nurses at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Dr. Kamini and her staff. Many heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dyke of the Cardiovascular Center. And finally, thanks to his mentor of the past 20 years, Mark Bain.
Memorial donations can be given in Nathan’s name to the Children with Special Needs Fund at https://www.michigan.gov/csnfund/donation, the Michigan State Adaptive Sports and Recreation Club at https://givingto.msu.edu/gift/?sid=1835, or the Capital Area Humane Society at https://www.cahs-lansing.org/ .
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Delaware and Tennessee.
