Donald Peter Burke, Born October 14, 1933 in Torrington, CT. Don passed away peacefully on June 19, 2017 at Treasure Coast Hospice in the presence of family. He bore his declining health with both grace and courage. He was predeceased by his parents Henry & Lucy (Corrado), son Brian, brother Raymond, brothers in law Tom Whitty, Boyd Cristofori and William Reagan. Don is survived by his children Donald (Plano, TX), Thomas & wife Carolyn (Jensen Beach, FL), Paul and wife Julie (Holyoke, MA), Joyce McCarthy and husband David (Wallingford, CT). Don is also survived by his sisters Sharon Reagan (Waterford, CT), Patricia West (Waterford, CT) and Linda Cristofori (Venice, FL); sister-in-law Mildred Burke (New London, CT) and brother-in-law Dick West (Waterford, CT). Don is remembered by his former wife, Alice Ericson (North Haven, CT). As patriarch of the Burke family, Don leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and whom he cherished.
After having served his country in the Army, Don earned his B.S. at American International College (Springfield, MA). He enjoyed a 30 year leadership career at Aetna Life Insurance Company (Hartford, CT). Following his retirement, Don earned a Masters in Public Health from Rennsselaer Polytechnic Institute and held a management position at St. Mary Home (West Hartford, CT).
As a native son of of Connecticut, Don was a standout athlete in football and basketball at Bulkeley High School (New London, CT). His exploits on the football field were particularly well known. He was a proud member of Bulkeley’s last graduating class in 1951. Don also played football during his Army years in the 1950s and later excelled at UConn and American International College. When his children were in their formative years, Don instilled his love of sports into their lives too. He coached Little League baseball, basketball and football. Many a boy growing up in Vernon during the 1970s benefited from playing on one of his teams. Even in the rare season when he wasn’t coaching, he never missed a game. Don loved to dance and was quite accomplished. He never failed to delight friends and family when he and Alice took the floor to jitterbug.
Don’s family would like to express their deep gratitude for all of the love and care provided by the staff at Grand Oaks Assisted Living in Jensen Beach, FL and to the caring team of professionals and volunteers at Treasure Coast Hospice in Stuart, FL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997. Burial will be private.
“As for man, his days are of grass. As a flower of the field so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it and it is gone.” Don will be missed by many.
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