1947
Donald
2011
Donald Burke, Jr.
April 28, 1947 — December 22, 2011
Donald M. Burke, Jr., 64, of Edinboro died Thursday, December 22, 2011 at the Edinboro Manor after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Ilion, NY, the son of Marie (Vivirito) Burke of Lake Worth, FL and the late Donald M. Burke, Sr.
He was a graduate of Oneida High School, NY in 1965. He was proud to serve in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1970, attaining the rank of 2nd Class Gunner's Mate.
Don Married Regina “Reggie” Kirley on October 23, 1971 at St. Joseph's Church, Oriskany Falls, NY. For the last twenty-six years Don was employed by Morton Buildings, and served as the Office Manager of the Meadville, PA office, while maintaining a successful sales territory before retiring in June 2010. Don was instrumental in coordinating the new building project of his beloved Our Lady of the Lake Church. He was a member of Parish Council and served on the Building Committee and Building and Grounds Committee. He met many wonderful people in the church community, all of whom are thankful for Don's efforts in seeing construction of the new church to fruition.
Don's hobby was woodworking, and through the years he built many pieces of furniture for family and friends, as well as for the OLOL Church. He loved to putter in his wood shop and always had a project in progress.
He was also active in the Edinboro Baseball Association, and received Man of the Year recognition for his contributions in 1994.
Survivors include his loving wife of 40 years, Regina “Reggie” Burke; two sons, Donald M. Burke, III and his wife, Lori, of Edinboro, and LTJG Brian R. Burke currently serving with the US Navy in Norfolk, VA, and his fiancé, Kayla Woodard; two grandchildren who were the light of “Papa Don's” Life, Lilly Anne and Donald M. Burke, IV of Edinboro; a brother Robert Burke and wife, Gigi, of Avon, CT; a sister, Valerie M. Mierzwa and husband, Matthew, Jr., of Lake Worth, FL, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Special thank you to sister Missy Peabody and her children, Jon, Andrew and Emily, of Edinboro, who stood with us in our darkest moments while Don was ill. Don was on many prayer lists and was comforted by prayers, cards and other kindnesses extended to him throughout his illness.
“How can we say a few words that do justice to all of the years of love and strength that Dad gave us? We hope that the real tribute to Dad will be the actions of our lives – that we are a testament to the love and lessons that he instilled in us.”
Friends may call at the Glunt Funeral Home, 210 Erie Street, Edinboro, on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Church at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday with Fr. Bill Sutherland officiating.
Burial with Military Honors will be in Edinboro Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Edinboro Vol. Fire Dept, 125 Meadville St., or the OLOL Building Fund, 128 Sunset Dr., Edinboro, PA 16412.
He was a graduate of Oneida High School, NY in 1965. He was proud to serve in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1970, attaining the rank of 2nd Class Gunner's Mate.
Don Married Regina “Reggie” Kirley on October 23, 1971 at St. Joseph's Church, Oriskany Falls, NY. For the last twenty-six years Don was employed by Morton Buildings, and served as the Office Manager of the Meadville, PA office, while maintaining a successful sales territory before retiring in June 2010. Don was instrumental in coordinating the new building project of his beloved Our Lady of the Lake Church. He was a member of Parish Council and served on the Building Committee and Building and Grounds Committee. He met many wonderful people in the church community, all of whom are thankful for Don's efforts in seeing construction of the new church to fruition.
Don's hobby was woodworking, and through the years he built many pieces of furniture for family and friends, as well as for the OLOL Church. He loved to putter in his wood shop and always had a project in progress.
He was also active in the Edinboro Baseball Association, and received Man of the Year recognition for his contributions in 1994.
Survivors include his loving wife of 40 years, Regina “Reggie” Burke; two sons, Donald M. Burke, III and his wife, Lori, of Edinboro, and LTJG Brian R. Burke currently serving with the US Navy in Norfolk, VA, and his fiancé, Kayla Woodard; two grandchildren who were the light of “Papa Don's” Life, Lilly Anne and Donald M. Burke, IV of Edinboro; a brother Robert Burke and wife, Gigi, of Avon, CT; a sister, Valerie M. Mierzwa and husband, Matthew, Jr., of Lake Worth, FL, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Special thank you to sister Missy Peabody and her children, Jon, Andrew and Emily, of Edinboro, who stood with us in our darkest moments while Don was ill. Don was on many prayer lists and was comforted by prayers, cards and other kindnesses extended to him throughout his illness.
“How can we say a few words that do justice to all of the years of love and strength that Dad gave us? We hope that the real tribute to Dad will be the actions of our lives – that we are a testament to the love and lessons that he instilled in us.”
Friends may call at the Glunt Funeral Home, 210 Erie Street, Edinboro, on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Church at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday with Fr. Bill Sutherland officiating.
Burial with Military Honors will be in Edinboro Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Edinboro Vol. Fire Dept, 125 Meadville St., or the OLOL Building Fund, 128 Sunset Dr., Edinboro, PA 16412.
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