Donald R. “Don” Burke
August 1, 1938 - March 11, 2018
Donald R. Don Burke, Sr., age 79, of Dover, DE and formerly of Claymont, DE, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 11, 2018.
Born in Wilmington, DE on August 1, 1938, he was a son of the late George W. and Marion (Pass) Burk. Don proudly served in the US Army Reserves. He dedicated his career as a wholesale dry cleaner, retiring after 30 dedicated years. Don was also a driver for Elwyn Delaware and volunteered for many years at NorDel Babe Ruth League as a coach and mentor.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his only son, Donald R. Burke, Jr; four brothers; and three sisters. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Phyllis (Jones) Burke; children, Bunny Radcliff, Marie Cahill (Joe), both of Newark, Sylvia Cordill (Ronnie), Connie Latham (Mike), both of New Castle; daughter-in-law, Helen Burke of Wilmington; 15 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson; sister, Cheryl Squire of Poland, NY; and many close family and friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 12 noon on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 12 noon. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s name to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or Dementia Society of America, 114 N Main St, Doylestown, PA, 18901.
Marie Cahill
Hey there pop. Can’t tell you how much you are missed already..You are and always be my hero..I will miss your jokes and your kind and caring ways..Oh and your cooking..All the great times and thank you for being there for me and my kids..You mean the world to us…Until we meet again. Fly high pop…love you
Susan Ratchford
Marie and family, please accept my deepest condolences, just know I’m here for you, and please do not hesitate to reach out, especially during this difficult time.
Janet Macricostas
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Phyllis and her families. May Don now Rest In Peace. His quick wit and humor will always be missed. Love to all.,.Michael and Janet
Bill and Maureen Murphy
We would like to express Our Deepest Sympathy in the loss of this very great guy. Our thoughts and Prayers are with each of you.Cherish the memories of Don (Uncle Don) as his was so affectionately known.Sending Big Hugs to the Family.
William O’Brien Sr
RIP Don , You will be missed
Marie Majewski
So sorry for your family’s loss. My thoughts are with the family. May Mr. Burke rest in peace
Linda Riley
Thoughts and prayers to mom Burke and family! I loved pop Burke so much! May God have pop in his loving arms
June Zimmerman
Thinking of you all at this difficult time. May you find comfort knowing he is at peace now. Thoughts and prayers. June and Brian Zimmerman
Nicole Johnson
My thoughts and prayers are with my whole family in there time of loss Uncle Donald you will be missed you always made me smile with your jokes ❤️
Sylvia and Ed Bradford
Our hearts are with you in love.
Becky
Love you all. He will be missed.
Lori Weiner
Dear Bill, Marie and your entire family,
we are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you during this sad time.
Love, Lori and Jeff Weiner
Michael Plath
If your father was anything like your brother I’m certain I would have gotten along with him very well. I loved your brother and think of him often…. I hope you and yours can find peace during this difficult time. One can only hope these two awesome men are laughing it up,in heaven ❤️
Dhea Holland
Dear Phyllis and family,
Thinking of you and Don. All these long years past, I remember the kindness and laughter you brought to me and my family. May God grant you peace. I know Don is smiling down at you.
Sincerely, Dhea and Rich Holland
Sylvia Cordill
To the best dad ever. You were there for us thru every journey is our lives. No matter what we could count on you to be there. You hated to see us hurt and loved to see us laugh (which you made us do all the time). Your journey into Eternity has started and you are now with your son and our brother, your mom and dad your sibling mom-mom and Aunt Verna (can’t forget about them). Please watch over mom and all of us and until we meet again Dad I love you and thank-you!!!
David Doherty
Thoughts and prayers to the Burke family.Many great memories of Mr. Burke
Jack and Cathy Parkinson
Phyllis and family:
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He will be greatly missed by us. We always enjoyed spending time with both of you. He always had a great sense of humor and always made us laugh. He is in God’s wonderful kingdom now and our prayers and condolences are with you and your family.. Wishing you peace and comfort at this sad time.
Connie
Dad, you were a great father, Pop and Great Pop-Pop to me, Mike, Michael, Alisha, Samantha, Chris, Alexandria and Michael (AKA The General). We have so many wonderful memories to talk and laugh about. Miss you, until we meet again. ❤️
Thom and Sally Baynum
Phyllis and Family: We were very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Mallory
Jennifer and Family,
Michael and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. We are thinking of you all. If you need anything please feel free to ask.
Love always,
Mallory and Michael
Edmund Babicki
you know we all were talking about your bother couple weeks ago, we all had the ? How’s Mr Burke doin.
Sorry to hear about your loss, tell your mother, we wish well & good luck Babic
Bill and Kathy Uecker
Phyllis and family. So sorry to hear about Don’s passing. We were trying to make it up for the services earlier but Kathy’s pain was so bad she couldn’t make the trip. Our prayers are with you (and Don).
Sara and Art Nichols
Phyllis, I wanted to send you a card, but no address. I was sorry to hear of your loss. Glad you have a big, loving family to support you. Please keep in touch with Wild Meadows gals who truly miss you.