David Michael Burke

David was born on May 24, 1958, in Trenton, New Jersey, to the late David and Jeanette Burke. From an early age, David had a deep love for the outdoors. He spent many weekends camping with his family and was an active member of the Boy Scouts, proudly earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He also enjoyed hiking and took great pride in working toward completing the Adirondack Forty-Sixers, climbing many of the region’s peaks over 4,000 feet.

David’s lifelong fascination with outer space inspired his path into aviation. After graduating from Lawrence High School, he attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science. He went on to serve his country as a pilot in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Captain and receiving an honorable discharge.

Following his military service, David began a distinguished 30-year career with Delta Air Lines. During this time, he relocated to Georgia, where he met Beth, the love of his life. They were married on February 9, 1996, and built a life together in Senoia, Georgia, devoted to their family. In 2023, David and Beth moved to Colorado following his retirement as a Captain.

David will be remembered as a warm, friendly, and kind-hearted man with an infectious smile. An accomplished aviator, animal lover, and gifted storyteller, he brought joy to those around him. Above all, he was deeply devoted to his family, whose lives he enriched with his generosity and care.

A devout Catholic, David regularly attended Mass at his local church and made a point to visit churches wherever his travels took him. He also cherished his adventures around the world, marking each country he visited with a pin on his map.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Beth Burke; his children, Hunter Holland; Catie Duncan (Joseph Sutton); his cherished grandson, Callum Sutton; his mother-in-law, Frances Gielow; his brothers, John (Antonella) Burke and Donald (Linda) Burke; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Georgia, where David spent much of his adult life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in David’s memory to the Gray Matters Brain Cancer Foundation (gmbcf.org/support-us).