Stephen Victor Burke, age 64, was peacefully called Home by our Heavenly Father on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Freeport, Texas on December 19, 1960. His family relocated to Point Comfort when he was 9 years old. Steve graduated from Calhoun High School in 1979 and attended Victoria College where he obtained his Master Electrician certification. He was an I&E instructor for 13 years at Victoria College, where he was awarded Instructor of the Year. He loved teaching and was proud when his students finally understood! He opened his successful S&R Electrical Company that served both residential and commercial customers and he earned tremendous respect and admiration for his exceptional service, professionalism and knowledgeable expertise.
On March 21, 1987, Steve married his soulmate and love of his life, Rita Theresa Soliz, at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church. He was a true romantic. He never forgot her birthday, Valentines, Mother’s Day and his “just because” little surprises. He showered her with his love and treated her like a queen every day of his life.
Steve’s life philosophy was simple – God, family, friends, and country. He loved our Almighty Father and even after being afflicted by cancer, Steve’s faithfulness in God never faltered, but instead his hope and faith in God strengthened him. He was peaceful and he put all his trust in Christ. In his suffering, Steve knew where he was going and what his purpose was. He planted seeds of faith, hope, and trust to the many friends and family that saw him going through his struggles, but he always wore a smile that told us that he would be okay. Steve was a member of OLG where he was a dedicated and faithful Catholic and served as a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Steve’s greatest treasure was his family and he loved them with all his heart. They all brought such joy to him. He adored and supported all his grandchildren. He was a proud “Popo” who would never miss a grandparent’s day at the elementary schools with his grandchildren. He loved going to see his grandson’s play baseball and soccer and enjoyed taking his “princesses” to get mani/pedis at the salon. Steve was truly a devoted father and grandfather who gave himself tirelessly to create loving memories with his family. Steve and Rita loved to travel and reminisce about their international travels with their kids, Grandpa Soliz, nieces, nephews, and friends. Steve loved going to the Golden Nugget with his family and friends and loved being with family at home in his backyard oasis.
Steve developed a true passion in his teenage years when he restored one of his favorite Mustangs – a fire red Mach 1. He loved tinkering with cars and developed great expertise in auto mechanics. One of his most favorite cars was his red Dodge Super Bee, but everyone knew that Steve had a very special love for his 2011 Shelby which would satisfy his innate thrill of speed. (This gene was certainly passed on to his beloved sons!) Steve could never get enough of some of his favorite reality shows such as Mecum Auto Auctions and “#itchin’ Rides”. He loved watching the restoring and rebuilding of vehicles into beautiful masterpieces.
Steve is survived by his wife, Rita Burke; sons, Justin Burke (Farleigh) of Port Lavaca, Jacob Burke (Kassie) and Jonathan Burke (Kaylan) of Victoria; sister, Elizabeth Burke Carroll of Port Lavaca; brothers, Charles Theodore “Teddy” Burke (Leigh) of Abbeville, LA, Johnny Burke (Vanessa) of Port Lavaca. Steve is also survived by 8 grandchildren, and one on the way, and several nieces and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Charles Victor Burke and mother, Virginia Matejowsky Burke.
Rosary will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 1:30PM at Our Lady of the Gulf followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00PM with Father Tommy Chen officiating. Graveside services will follow at Port Lavaca Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Justin Burke, Jacob Burke, Jonathan Burke, Charles Theodore “Teddy” Burke, Johnny Burke and Isaac Sandoval.
