Richard "Dick" J. Burke

Richard Joseph Burke was born December 15, 1939 in Evanston, IL to William Howard and Vivian Hope (Miller) Burke. He succumbed to complications of Parkinson’s disease on March 26, 2018. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Dennis Burke and son Kevin Burke. He is survived by his daughters and son-in-laws, Kari & Thomas Coffman, Lisa & Joe Fratangelo, Theresa & Robes St. Juste and son and daughter-in-law Rick & Christy Burke, Grandsons Travis Coffman, Dylan Burke, Granddaughters Alli & Rachel St. Juste, Alysa & Kinsley Burke, Sophie Fratangelo and Great Grandson Jonah Burke, brothers Robert (Bob) Burke, Raymond (Skip) Burke and sister, Sharon Burke Elkins. Dick went to work for Shell Oil Company after graduating from John Carroll University ultimately taking him to Houston in 1972. He was one of the founding members of the Ponderosa Volunteer Fire Department where he proudly served for 30 years. He enjoyed mentoring new firemen, coaching his children’s soccer and swim teams and continued this activity even after they were grown.
Dick was an avid Houston Oilers season ticket holder for 20 years. After their departure, Dick turned his support to the Houston Aeros hockey team. In 2004, Dick moved to Greenville, SC where he volunteered for many years teaching Sunday school and VBS at First Presbyterian Church. This same year, he was recognized by the Guinness World Records for most Blood Donations at 1411 pints, enough blood to be utilized by over 8,000 recipients. After his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Dick moved to San Antonio to live with his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, where he became a faithful member of Community Bible Church.
He has graciously donated his body to ScienceCare.com. A celebration of life will be held May 26, 2018 in San Antonio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a dog rescue organization of your choice or a blood donation in his honor.