Michael Francis Burke, a longtime resident of Rye, N.Y., died peacefully with his family by his side at Stamford Hospital on August 14, 2023. The cause was heart failure. He was 62.
Born on September 11, 1960, he grew up in New York City and Watch Hill, R.I. After attending St. David’s School in New York City and Canterbury School in New Milford, Conn., he went on to Ohio Wesleyan University.
He started his career on Wall Street and transitioned into fund-raising and development for various charities, schools, and universities. Most recently, he enjoyed a profession focused on energy analysis and conservation measures for buildings in the metropolitan area.
A prolific storyteller, he was also a passionate historian and avid reader. He loved sports, excelling at tennis, paddle tennis, and soccer. He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews both on and off the fields, tennis courts, hockey rinks, and especially the beach. His dedication to the Giants, Yankees, and Rangers was unrivaled.
Michael Burke was a man of deep faith, serving as an honorary usher at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for decades. He was also a proud former member of the Board of Stewards for The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and former member of the Board of Directors of the Catholic Guardian Service.
Throughout his 30 years of sobriety, he helped countless others reach the same goal with his endless dedication and steadfast faith. Above all, he was a committed family man and loyal friend.
In addition to his loving wife of 27 years, Sally (Beath) Burke, he is survived by his sons, William H. (Nicole) Burke and Andrew M. Burke; his mother, Janet McKay Burke; his grandson, Henry Scott Burke; and his six siblings: Janet Connor, Thomas C. Burke Jr. (Caroline), James Burke (Andrea), Peter Burke (Sharon), Anne Manella (Stephen) and Susan Burke-O’Neal (Michael). He is also survived by his parents-in-law, Nancy and Hugh Beath, and brothers-in-law, Stuart Beath (Laura) and Douglas Beath (Lori); twenty-two nieces and nephews; and five grand-nieces and -nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Thomas C. Burke.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated August 21 at Church of the Resurrection in Rye.
Donations in Michael Burke’s memory may be made to Catholic Guardian Service (Attn: Craig Longley), 1011 First Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, New York 10022.
