Obituary for Michael Wayne Burke
BURKE, MICHAEL WAYNE, “BURKIE” - 68 of North Port, FL, formerly of Galloway, NJ suddenly passed away on April 17, 2022 in Sarasota, Florida. Mike was born in Atlantic City, NJ on August 6,1953 to Shirley (Lashley) and Tom Burke, Jr. He was the beloved husband of Cindy and the loving father of Lori and her husband, Theodoros. He was the joyous Pop-Pop of Mikey, (Mike’s namesake) and Evienia, as well as G-Pop to Richard, Aurora, and Jameson. He was never happier than when he spending time with his grandchildren. Mike was stepfather to Richard (Carly), Jim (Carolyn), and Steven (Stephanie). He is preceded in death by his brother, Tom.
For Mike, family was not defined by blood. His family included the brotherhood of first responders he worked alongside for over 40 years. He served 36 years at the Atlantic City International Airport, where he retired as an Assistant Chief in 2016. He enjoyed 20 years at Atlantic County Harley Davidson in Absecon, where Ben and Brenda became an extended family. The entire Harley Davidson staff held a special place in his heart.
He was bitten early by the travel bug starting a lifetime of treks across the globe immediately after graduating Pleasantville High School in 1973, where served as class president. Many will remember the stories as Mike loved to share about his life adventures. He felt that he was fortunate to have so many opportunities to travel and each one held a special place in his life. It was his many experiences that provided a foundation for his life of service and unrelenting generosity.
You may have heard the story of the circus adventure with Goliath – The World’s Largest Horse or Marshall Steve’s Pony Rides. Detailing was a large part of Mike’s life from his earliest days working at T.J.’s Detail Shop, alongside his parents and his brother. This led to detailing boats and travels with the Gifford Offshore Racing Team. He always found time to give back to the community, from volunteering with Special Olympic Skiers to EMS/Fire in the local area. Along with several motorcycle trips across the US and Canada, he loved cruises, including those he took in the Greek Islands and in the Caribbean where he and Cindy toured the islands on his motorcycle. Following his retirement in 2016, he was able to fulfill a life-long dream of traveling the United States with his wife. A trip that lasted two and a half years, they journeyed in a Motor Home from New Jersey to the Florida Keys, the Upper Peninsula, followed by a tour of the Midwest. While in the Midwest, Mike was diagnosed with kidney failure. They continued their travels and made their way across from AZ to Texas and the Florida Panhandle. This diagnosis led them to their final destination on the Suncoast in North Port, FL where they bought a home.
Everyone will always remember his contagious smile as he was a social butterfly. Mike felt that his life was so enriched with the times he spent with family and friends. He always looked for new experiences, a good meal, a few cold beers and time to share the joy of stories with others. He was known to describe his passion for the good things in life by saying he had, “Champagne taste and a beer budget.” Mike had an appetite for life that he passed on to his daughter. His stories led to both laughter and many fond memories that we will celebrate every moment we were given.
Friends and family are invited to attend Mike’s Celebration of Life on Friday, April 29, 2022 at Adams Perfect Funeral Home in Northfield, NJ from 9:00 to 11:00 am, his legacy will be honored by stories from family, interment to follow at the Port Republic Cemetery. Arrangements by and condolences at www.adams-perfect.com
For Mike, family was not defined by blood. His family included the brotherhood of first responders he worked alongside for over 40 years. He served 36 years at the Atlantic City International Airport, where he retired as an Assistant Chief in 2016. He enjoyed 20 years at Atlantic County Harley Davidson in Absecon, where Ben and Brenda became an extended family. The entire Harley Davidson staff held a special place in his heart.
He was bitten early by the travel bug starting a lifetime of treks across the globe immediately after graduating Pleasantville High School in 1973, where served as class president. Many will remember the stories as Mike loved to share about his life adventures. He felt that he was fortunate to have so many opportunities to travel and each one held a special place in his life. It was his many experiences that provided a foundation for his life of service and unrelenting generosity.
You may have heard the story of the circus adventure with Goliath – The World’s Largest Horse or Marshall Steve’s Pony Rides. Detailing was a large part of Mike’s life from his earliest days working at T.J.’s Detail Shop, alongside his parents and his brother. This led to detailing boats and travels with the Gifford Offshore Racing Team. He always found time to give back to the community, from volunteering with Special Olympic Skiers to EMS/Fire in the local area. Along with several motorcycle trips across the US and Canada, he loved cruises, including those he took in the Greek Islands and in the Caribbean where he and Cindy toured the islands on his motorcycle. Following his retirement in 2016, he was able to fulfill a life-long dream of traveling the United States with his wife. A trip that lasted two and a half years, they journeyed in a Motor Home from New Jersey to the Florida Keys, the Upper Peninsula, followed by a tour of the Midwest. While in the Midwest, Mike was diagnosed with kidney failure. They continued their travels and made their way across from AZ to Texas and the Florida Panhandle. This diagnosis led them to their final destination on the Suncoast in North Port, FL where they bought a home.
Everyone will always remember his contagious smile as he was a social butterfly. Mike felt that his life was so enriched with the times he spent with family and friends. He always looked for new experiences, a good meal, a few cold beers and time to share the joy of stories with others. He was known to describe his passion for the good things in life by saying he had, “Champagne taste and a beer budget.” Mike had an appetite for life that he passed on to his daughter. His stories led to both laughter and many fond memories that we will celebrate every moment we were given.
Friends and family are invited to attend Mike’s Celebration of Life on Friday, April 29, 2022 at Adams Perfect Funeral Home in Northfield, NJ from 9:00 to 11:00 am, his legacy will be honored by stories from family, interment to follow at the Port Republic Cemetery. Arrangements by and condolences at www.adams-perfect.com