David Burke

On September 7, 2023, David Martin Burke of Columbia; dear brother of Maura Eileen Burke and Joseph J. Burke Jr {Barbara}., cherished uncle of Joseph John Burke III {Kelly}, Thomas Patrick Burke, and Sean Michael Burke, passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends.  He was predeceased by his mother, Maureen Gordon Burke, and by his father, Joseph John Burke.

David was born in Pittsburgh and was a lifelong Steelers fan. He was the family expert in all things sports.  He grew up in Columbia, MD. where he attended public schools and was a member of the Oakland Mills High School Soccer team that won three consecutive state championships in the early 1980s.  He graduated from the University of Akron where he was a member of the top-ranked Division One soccer team that progressed to the National Championship during his senior year.  Soccer remained a big part of David’s life, as he spent many years as a player and coached multiple high-level youth teams.  Soccer was also the foundation and glue of his many friendships maintained throughout his life.  In his final days, those friendships were clearly demonstrated by those who came from near and far to be with David and wish him well.

David was kind and compassionate to all things and to all people.  More than once he provided a helping hand to friends and even strangers who had fallen on tough times and asked for nothing in return.  These qualities made him particularly skilled in his professional career which centered on service to others.  David worked at helping others find jobs, obtaining scholarships, helping others with insurance, helping to educate others on medical solutions and finally he spent his last several years at AccentCare / Seasons Hospice where he helped guide patients and family members with end of life decisions and comfort in their final days. 

Ireland was also a central fixture in David’s life and he cultivated his love for his heritage by spending time with family and friends.  He was a welcome presence at many gatherings, loved Irish music and loved to laugh and tell jokes.  David was beloved by his nephews, and cousins and godchildren.  He was a regular fixture at sporting events, barbecues and birthday parties, making everyone feel special simply by his presence.   David’s wish was to have a family mass and his ashes return to Ireland, as were his mother’s, which will occur in the coming months. 

A Celebration of Life will be held for David on Saturday September 16th at 2pm

Remarks and Remembrances beginning at 2:30pm

Gathering of Family and Friends until 6pm

St John’s Episcopal Church Ellicott City MD. / All Saints Hall / Casual Attire

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the https://gilchristcares.org/fall-giving-donate/, Gilchrist Hospice, or https://seasonsfoundation.org/donate/, Seasons Hospice Foundation

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