Obituary of Richard M. Burke

Mr. Richard Michael Burke, 87, of Rte. 163, Fort Plain, New York died Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at Little Falls Hospital. Born on September 21, 1925 in Manhattan, NY, he was the son of the late Michael Burke and Ann Dugan Burke. He attended schools in Bayside, NY and had been a resident of Fort Plain since 1962. Mr. Burke was a furniture finisher in Highland, NY. He was also a high rise construction worker in New York City for many years and was the owner and operator of 100 Acre Dairy Farm in Fort Plain. He was of Catholic faith. Mr. Burke was a veteran of the US Navy, serving during World War II on the USS Alchiba with a rank of Seaman 1st Class. His unit received Presidential Unit Citation for saving the USS Alchiba and for duty above and beyond. He was a member of the Fort Plain VFW Earl Stock Memorial Post #3275, the American Legion Fort Plain Post #554 and Disabled American Veterans. He was also a National War Memorial Charter member as well as being a member of the Masonic Lodge. On April 27, 1957 in the Bronx, NY, Richard was married to Kathleen O'Brien. She preceded him in death on June 5, 2010. He was also predeceased by his 1st wife, Madeline Burke in 1957; brother, Frank Burke; sisters, Florence Simpson Burke, Kathleen White and Rose Whittaker. Mr. Burke is survived by his 2 daughters, Barbara and son-in-law, Jack Blair of Florida, Nancy Burke of Oneonta, NY; 3 sons, Richard Burke of California, James Burke and Shauna Steenburgh of Fort Plain, NY, Martin Burke of Fort Plain, NY; brother, Michael J. Burke; 6 sisters, Dorothy O'Hogan, Patricia Eberlein, Joyce Pine, Geraldine Manely, Renee Meyer, Lorraine Lape ; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren. A prayer service will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 9:15am at The Chapel of Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center Street, Fort Plain, NY followed by the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 10:00am at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY with Father Dennis Murphy officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, February 8, 2013 from 4:00-7:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Freysbush Cemetery in the spring. Contributions in memory of Mr. Richard M. Burke may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at DAV Memorial Program, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.