Donald Benner Burke

Donald Benner Burke of Framingham, MA passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side on June 10, 2015. He was 77 years old. Born June 1, 1938 in New Bedford, MA he spent his youth in Framingham. Donald joined the U.S. Air Force in 1958 after graduating from Boston Latin High School. While stationed in Michigan, he met his first wife, Rose (neé Bouchard) Marchand, and had two of their children. After four years in the Air Force, the family moved to Massachusetts, living in several towns, including Marshfield, Maynard and Hudson. Donald and Rose completed their family with the birth of two more children.

Donald was employed by the Polaroid Corporation at their Waltham site. He spent many years on the night shift working his way into shift management. While working at Polaroid he enjoyed golfing with the Polaroid Golf Association (PGA!). He was also an accomplished amateur photographer and loved to work in the darkroom bringing his photos to life. Donald retired from Polaroid in the late 1980’s in order to pursue his love of horses and his interests in stock investing; both of which became successful pursuits.

Donald had a deep passion for horse racing, becoming a thoroughbred racehorse owner of nearly 50 horses throughout his time as a horseman. Working closely with his friends and trainers, his stable was quite successful and he had dozens of trips to the winner’s circle at various race tracks throughout the Eastern seaboard.

In 1987, Donald married Suzanne (Brink) Burke, another lover of horses, and after a short time in Brookline, they settled in Framingham. The two of them continued owning and racing horses until his death. As Audubon Society members, they enjoyed birding together from the shores of northeastern Massachusetts to southern Maine, Nubble Point being a favorite location. A full bird feeder was always in their backyard at home attracting many species. He also enjoyed watching his beloved Red Sox and Patriots on television as well as visiting casinos and following the Pro Golf tour.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy (neé Winchenbach) Burke and John Francis Burke, of Wellesley, MA. He leaves his wife of 28 years, Suzanne; four children from his first marriage, Timothy (Deborah) Burke of Beavercreek, OH, Beverly Storms of Largo, FL, Christopher (Maureen) Burke of Seminole, FL, and Martha (Kevin) O’Brien of Manchester, CT as well as eight grandchildren. He also leaves behind his siblings; Francis (Mickie) Burke of Annandale, VA, Kevin (Cecile) Burke of York, ME, and Dorothy Burke of Vero Beach, FL.

No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Donald’s favorite charity, St Joseph’s Indian School of Chamberlain, SD.

Arrangements under the direction of MetroWest Funeral and Cremation Service - Wadsworth-Chiappini, Framingham, MA.