Obituary of Michael Francis Burke

Michael Francis Burke died peacefully with his family by his side at Stamford Hospital. The cause was heart failure. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years Sally (Beath) Burke, sons William H. (Nicole) Burke and Andrew M. Burke and grandson, Henry Scott Burke.

Michael grew up in New York City and Watch Hill, RI and raised his family in Rye and Port Chester, NY. He graduated from St. David’s School, Canterbury School and Ohio Wesleyan University. Michael started his career on Wall Street and transitioned into fundraising and development for various charities, schools, universities. Most recently he enjoyed a profession focused on energy analysis and conservation measures for buildings in the metropolitan area. He was a passionate historian, an avid reader and prolific storyteller. 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 were unrivaled. Michael was a man of deep faith, serving as an honorary usher for 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 a countless number of people reach the same goal with his endless dedication and steadfast faith. Above all, Michael was a committed family man; he was a loving spouse and father, grandfather, devoted sibling and loyal friend.

Michael was predeceased by his father, Thomas C. Burke, and is survived by his mother Janet McKay Burke and his 6 siblings Janet B. Connor, Thomas C. Burke, Jr. (Caroline), James McK. Burke (Andrea), Peter C. Burke (Sharon), Anne B. 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) and twenty two nieces/nephews and five grand nieces/nephews.

A Visitation is scheduled at Graham Funeral Home, 1036 Boston Post Rd. in Rye, NY on Sunday, August 20 from 2-4pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 21 at 11:00 am at The Church of the Resurrection, 910 Boston Post Rd, Rye, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Guardian Service (Attn: Craig Longley), 1011 First Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, New York 10022, Tel: (212) 371-1000.