Patrick James Burk

Patrick James Burk, 69, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on December 3rd, 2025, following a short, but hard-fought, battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma brain tumor in September which prompted Patrick, and his wife Suzanne, to come back home to Wilmington to be surrounded by their family and loved ones during his last days. The Burk family rallied together and made sure Patrick was cared for and covered in prayer until his final breath. 

His Life & Legacy:

Patrick was born on March 22nd, 1956, in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of Merl Ambrose Burk and Jean Amber Burk (Wallace) and the brother of two older sisters, Karen and Susan.

He was a happy and mischievous child. His mother used to chase him around with a washcloth to wipe the dirt off him after he played hard outside. He loved her French toast, the book ‘Curious George’, and made sure to go out on the porch each night to say ‘Goodnight Moon’ before going to bed.

Patrick graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1974, then went on to Olivet Nazarene University for a short period of time before making the decision to go into the military.

He joined the Marine Corps in 1974, and served his country faithfully for 10 years, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant, with a pending promotion as Gunnery Sergeant Select, before being honorably discharged due to disability in 1984. He has always had a strong love of country and was proud of his time in the service and of fellow family members and friends who served time in various branches of the military.

Patrick married Suzanne (Diehl) Burk on September 18th, 1976, in Saginaw, Michigan. They met on a “blind date” at ages 16 and 18 after Patrick worked alongside Suzanne’s brother, Randy Diehl, at his father’s tool and dye shop. Randy had picked up Suzanne’s cheerleading picture and showed it to Patrick which prompted him to ask her to go on a date with him. He later proposed on July 7th, 1976 (his mother’s birthday) over the phone while stationed in Japan. They had exchanged letters for months leading up to the proposal. Patrick was always a romantic with a love for happy endings. He was known to dislike any movie or story that failed to end in that way. Patrick and Suzanne celebrated 49 years of marriage this year and were in their 50th year at the time of his passing. Through his marriage, and through the marriages of his beloved sisters, Patrick also gained many sisters and brothers-in-law including Jim Wells (married to sister Karen), Tom Bliss (married to sister Susan), Randy Diehl (Maggie), Linda Diehl, and Jerry Diehl. Patrick and Suzanne have always loved children and knew they wanted a family. The couple had four children, including their son Eric (who was born prematurely and passed away following his birth on July 30th, 1977), and their daughters Rhonda (46), Kristen (37) and Blaire (36). They also took in foster children for a period while Patrick was stationed in Hawaii. In addition to their children, there are 8 grandchildren [Eric (24), Ethan (23), Aaron (19), Collin (8), Aurora (7), Charlotte (7), Braxton (5) and Colton (4)] and 1 great grandchild [Jackson (2), born to Eric and Abigail Smith] that have been Patrick’s joy. He loved being a Grandpa/Papa and was the best when it came to showering them with love. Patrick never met a baby that he didn’t immediately fall in love with.

Career & Values:

Patrick worked in the utility services industry for 35+ years and was a hardworking and personable man who carved a path in the industrial world as an entrepreneur. He dedicated the last 8 years of his professional career to Honeywell where he rose to the position of Senior Director of Strategic Account Management. There was never a challenge that he couldn’t conquer or an opportunity he would turn away from.

Outside of work, Patrick had many hobbies and interests, but he especially enjoyed his annual fishing trips to Canada, boating, was a collector of Corvettes (to the extent that he taught his daughter Rhonda to spell the word through song before her 1st birthday as a bet with his father), playing Scrabble and Wordle competitively with his wife, watching football, going to the movies, and spending time with his family. 

Most importantly, Patrick was a man of Christ who loved the Lord and who also pointed his family, and those who knew him, to God. He knew that his life here on earth was temporary and that there was an eternal home waiting for him in Heaven. That was his true legacy and is a legacy that his family will continue to uphold as we continue to spread God’s word and lead others to know Christ. Our greatest joy and peace can be found in the knowledge that we will reunite once more in Heaven.

Family: 

Remaining to cherish Patrick’s memory are his wife, Suzanne; children, Rhonda Smith (Eric), Kristen McPherson and Blaire Lash (Randy); grandchildren, Eric Smith (Abigail), Ethan Smith, Aaron Smith, Collin Lash, Charlotte McPherson, Aurora McPherson, Braxton Lash and Colton Lash; great-grandchild, Jackson Smith; sister, Susan Bliss; brothers-in-law, Jim Wells, Randy Diehl (Maggie), Jerry Diehl; sister-in-law, Linda Diehl, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved him dearly.

Preceding Patrick in death are his son, Eric Burk, parents, Merl and Jean Burk, sister, Karen Wells, brother-in-law, Tom Bliss, beloved dog, Sofie, and multiple children and grandchildren that never made it earthside but have been waiting in Heaven to have him join them. 

Visitation, Funeral & Burial:

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 9th from 2:00pm – 3:00pm at Andrews Funeral Home. Funeral will follow directly after visitation and will begin promptly at 3:00pm, with Duncan Puckett officiating. Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 10th at Montford Point Cemetery at 12:00pm in Jacksonville, NC

Addresses

Visitation & Funeral:                                                       Burial: 

Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel                                   Montford Point Federal Cemetery                                                          

4108 South College Rd                                                    100 Montford Landing Rd

Wilmington, NC 28412                                                    Jacksonville, NC 28540

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