Richard A. Burke

Richard Andrew Burke, born in Chicago, Illinois in 1929, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Judge Joseph Burke and Catherine Ryan Burke, and his siblings: Shirley, Edmund, Frank, and Jerome.

Richard cherished his family above all. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jacqueline (Kline), and their five children: Rick, Suzanne, Mimi, Chris, and Jim. He was a loving grandfather to ten grandchildren and a great-grandfather to one.

A proud graduate of Notre Dame University, Class of 1951, Richard served as a Navy fighter pilot and was deployed around the world aboard the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa with Fighter Squadron VF-32, from 1951 to 1955. He flew the Fury and Cougar aircrafts. His adventurous spirit and dedication to service were the highlights of his life. He often regaled friends and family with stories of flying with his beloved squadron.

Richard retired as a 747 Captain for United Airlines after 35 years of service. A job he loved so much, he often said that he would have done it for free.

A longtime and active parishioner of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Evanston/Skokie, Illinois, Richard’s faith was an integral part of his life. The St. Joan of Arc community was his second family.

Richard was beloved for his playful spirit and his role as the neighborhood dad. The Burke house was always the place for a pickup basketball game, showcasing his deadly hook shot. A dedicated fitness enthusiast, he could often be seen jogging or cycling for miles well into his 90's. He founded the iconic Central Park Turkey Bowl football game, the Friends’ International Biking Club, and was a loyal foot soldier in the Evanston Marching Kazoo Band. His generous smile and twinkling blue eyes will be missed by many.

A memorial service will be held on November 16th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church 2500 NE 33rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In Richard Burke’s memory, donations can be made to the Academy at Saint Joan of Arc , 9245 Lawndale Avenue, Evanston, IL