Donald E. Burke, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Unity Hospital surrounded by his children.
He was born on August 24, 1935 in Rochester a son of the late George Burke and Lucille Helmbold Burke.
Don earned his Master’s in Social Work degree from SUNY Buffalo and ultimately retired as the Executive Director of the Mary Cariola Children’s Center in Rochester after 20 years of service. A longtime parishioner of St. Brigid Church in Bergen, he was active in many of their ministries and served as a trustee to the church for many years. Don was also instrumental in the formation of the church's bereavement ministry. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills and rarely missed an opportunity to watch them play. After retirement Don travelled extensively with his late wife, Pat. The greatest joy in his life were his children and grandchildren. He was a frequent babysitter and then spectator at all athletic and extra-curricular activities of his grandchildren. Don loved to cook and entertain and was very well known for the many parties he and Pat enjoyed hosting.
His wife, Pat M. Lawlor Burke, passed away on May 13, 2023.
He is survived by his sons, Dennis (Cindy) Burke of Bergen, Brian (Cary) Burke of Canandaigua and Kevin (Gina) Burke of Pennsylvania; six grandchildren, Lauren and Madison Burke, Genna, Mason and Cole Burke and Valarie (Sam) Grow; his brother, David (Stephanie) Burke of Bergen; sisters, Kathleen (Langton) Bentley of Rochester, Patricia (John) Swapceinski of Bergen and Peggy (late Jim) Ammann of Florida and several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his grandsons, Edward (Teddy) Burke and Tyler Burke.
Friends are invited to call on Monday from 3 pm to 6 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 am at St. Brigid Church, 18 Gibson Street, Bergen. He will be laid to rest in St. Brigid Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to St. Brigid's Bereavement Ministry, c/o Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy, New York 14482. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
**AT THE REQUEST OF THE BURKE FAMILY, PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN TIME IN VISITING HOURS**
