Happy Father’s Day Rich. We all love and miss you.

Grandad it took me 4 years to get myself to write this. I miss you every day. You’re the best man I ever met smartest man. I just wish that you didn’t ever pass away. Makes me sad just writing this. I really wish that you could see whatever accomplished, but you are the best man ever I remember every morning every Sunday morning I’ll come downstairs and I’d smell bacon. I’ll come down and drink some coffee with you while Grandma is making eggs and it was good on Sunday. I came down and I didn’t smell bacon. It was the worst time ever cause mean I mean I’m crying right now writing this, but I want you to know Granddad that I loved you and I always do. You are the best person ever.

Richard, you’ve been gone for two years and I still can’t believe you’re not walking through the door.  I miss our times together, our conversations and just spending time together.  I miss your laughter and humor, especially your snarky comments.  You were gone so quickly, no time to say goodbye. I think that’s the worst part of all.  I am so proud of the man, the warrior and the partner you spent your life in service as.  There are so many things we will never know about your accomplishments.  I know you served your country with honor and never declined an assignment no matter where it occurred on this earth. I couldn’t have asked for a better, loving husband and how devoted you were to our family.  Unfortunately you’re gone from from our daily lives here on earth, I know you’re here with us, there are so many signs you’re still looking over us.  It still hurts that you’re gone and I don’t guess that part will ever change. The only easy day was yesterday…. I’ll always remember. Love you forever.

Rich, not a day goes by that I don't think about you.  Words can hardly describe the loss I feel when I think about the times we spent together working, laughing, eating, talking  and just hanging out.  And yet, those same memories often bring a smile to my face as I remember the good times we had.  My life is richer for all the minutes, hours and days we had, and for that I thank you.

To quote the Moody Blues, "I know you're out there somewhere" - and I believe we will meet again some day.  Until then,  farewell my friend.  You may be gone, but your are not forgotten

Your Friend,
Kevin Kiniry

Though now gone from our day to day lives, Rich left a lasting impression on everyone he met and will be greatly missed by family and friends alike. While a few knew he could be a huge practical joker, he really did live life and took life and the truly important things in life very seriously. And for those he let in to the "Circle of Trust", none could want a more devoted, loving or loyal individual on their side.   Rest in Peace Rich.

I know I put in a message earlier but this is one that came to me when I woke up today and is my late Grandmother's. 
We went with my Grandparents for a holiday visiting my Grandmother's family in Kent, England. Well Dad must have cut a dashing figure, a young American Guy, extremely polite in this English country village and the young lads of the village were in awe of him and all over him! Well he had these lads organised and on the village green every morning doing press ups and all manner of Physical Education, think it was a great sight to see. It really impressed my Grandmother and Grandfather. Those young lads would have been sad he had to leave. I think this memory might say a lot about Dad and lovely story.

To Dad,  It was to me the will of God  that we managed to be in touch over the past 5 years . You may have recalled a book I was given by an lady called Mary when I was a baby and it was 'A Time and Season' from the Book of Ecclesiastes, it was a lovely book with illustrations, little did we know we would be living it. I heard a teaching today on the TV that God has Seasons and I know he has timings and being in touch was in his timing. I can remember that book had an illustration of a Crane Bird dancing for ' A Time to Dance' I don't know what the illustration was for the Time to Mourn? I do know God has given us Seasons and not many of us like winter and  we look forward to the Summer of life but we need the Winter to prepare the ground for the seed and the summer harvest, we always appreciate what we have lost more than when we have something with us, well I do. God created us to live forever in that same Book of the Bible Ecclesiastes it says He has placed eternity in our hearts  so all this was not God's original plan for us. I know Dad that God is working his work through everything and he will see that even the knots and messes and the loose ends get worked into His beautiful picture, like in the Tapestry poem. All I want is for you to be at Peace and who knows the plans of God for our future but Him. After David passed away I heard this Song ' I am not Skilled to understand what God has willed what God has planned, All this I know at His right hand is one who is my Saviour' from a poem by Dora Greenwell, Think that sums it up, we just have to Trust God. Someone on the TV today, another preacher said we don't hear a lot of what it is going to be like in Heaven because it is too amazing for us to imagine. I know the last thing the Bible says is Jesus coming back and the New Heaven and New Earth and Peace, No War. No Mourning, Tears Being Wiped Away and this is what I hope for Us All. With Heart Felt Love, Alex and Grandson Peter, May God Hold you Safely xxx


This is hard to write.  Rich is my dad, and the reality of his passing hasn't settled in yet. 
I always knew he'd pick up if I called, and if I had anything I needed input on, he was there with counsel and discussion.  I will miss him. I do miss him.
Dad was a many faceted individual,  with a big personality and strong opinions.  He lived life large. He liked a good joke, and could be quite the prankster!  
He loved games.  I remember playing cribbage for hours, and cutthroat games of canasta around the dining room table. 
Dad surrounded himself and us with fascinating and educated people.  One of his closest friends when I was little was our neighbor, John.  John was an herpetologist and wildlife manager who worked with animals of many different species. It wasn't unusual for Dad to take me over to see whatever big cats John was working with at the time, or the snakes and other reptiles in the snake room.  I have touched cougars, handled pythons, fed a jaguarundi, and walked a lion cub because to quote my Dad, "never say no to learning, or to an opportunity to experience something."  This has been advice I have tried to follow.
   
I wish we'd had more time together.  But even while he couldn't be present as much or as often as I'd like,  I always knew he loved me.  

Fair winds and following seas, y'old fart.
I love you Dad

My first memory of rich was while we were working at Anheuser-Busch, Rich was transferred from Jacksonville, FL to the brewery in Baldwinsville, NY. He walked into the small out-building we worked out of, threw down a box of personal belongings and told me "I'm Rich Burke from Jacksonville, where's my office?" From that day forward we hit it off. Some of his stories about his military service and life out of the military were fascinating. Rich had been to places and done things that I had only read about or seen in movies. I'm glad he was on our side. Smart, intelligent, high level of integrity and oozed confidence in everything he did, something I always admired in Rich, especially going back to school after retirement. 

I had the pleasure of working with both Rich and Rena at the A-B Brewery in Baldwinsville, NY. We worked hard, but always had time for a few laughs and lunches along the way. Rich was held in high regard with the A-B folks, always gave you the straight answer, like it or not. I was sad at his retirement but happy that he achieved such a milestone.  I did enjoy when he would return to the "hell hole of New York State" to visit. Although we had have lost touch over the last several years, I do have fond memories of our time working together with you and Rena. It's been one heck of a ride my friend, thank you for your support over the years, rest well.

My condolences to Rena, Amanda and the Grandchildren on the passing of Rich. He will be missed dearly.

Love and respect

Tom Brim 

Took a while for me to write this, but I have finally brought myself to it. First time I met you, you were picking me up on a flight to NY.  Never met you, but you knew who I was and took off towards the car. Fast. Pulling my suitcase along, it jumped the curb, cracked my ankle and you said "suck it up".  You called Rena, said you had "the package" and at that point was not so sure about you...then that night, I forgot to get a glass of water to take to bed. The lights were on and I heard the Formula One racing in the living room. I heard someone speaking as if they would to a baby and wondered to myself (?).  It was you, and you had no idea I was there witnessing you kissing your sweet golden retriever Charlotte and telling her she was your girl.  I knew then, I liked you.  You were my family.  Known as Papa Seal, I told you once, "I want a baby seal".  That wasn't a good idea... Visiting your house one day, I had gotten out of the hospital with a really bad case of food poisoning at work at our Christmas luncheon .  Didn't think much of it until you asked "hm, you think it might have been on purpose?".  I had to ask myself that quite honestly given the circumstances.  I am going to miss you.  I hate I didn't get to spend more time with you.  I love you Rich, you gave light in my life.  A wonderful energy and a wonderful man. You were perfect for Rena.  I knew when she met you, she would never need or want anyone else and you fit our family like a glove.  You were one of the very best.  God bless Rena and Mandy. I love all of you very much. 

Rich was one of the good guys. They don’t make them like him anymore.  A true patriot, loving father, husband and grandfather. I sensed he was passionate about many things and gave his all to his country and his family.  I know he loved Rowena deeply and showed it in so many ways. I’m sure the memories that made together will be a comfort to her now.  He lived a remarkable life and leaves quite a legacy to be cherished by all who knew him.

Like me Rich was very private with his home life and family was the utmost of importance. It is hard for me to share any of my memories, as I feel very selfish and want to keep them mine, but I think it is important that others get to see him as I knew him.  First, He was so passionate! But, he had to let you in for you to see it. A tough nut to crack! But so worth it. The key for me was to stand up for what I felt was important and do so in an intelligent respectful way.  After that I was part of his life and he was part of mine, and I got to see the REAL Richard Burke, not just the hard-ass exterior. He appreciated a person of strength, depth, and character; Like him.   He was so giving, and fiercely loyal to those he let into his life, and would do anything to keep them safe. I am beyond privileged to have had him as my friend, and will miss so much about him that is uniquely Rich . But especially the banter, teasing, and seeing the way he was with his grandsons.  He LOVED deeply and wholly his family, friends, and country.  I will miss you much my dear friend! Until we meet again. Kara

I'd like to take a moment so say what a loss this was to this family its been my privilege to know mainly his wife but, I can tell you what a man he was. When I was going thru a hard time in my life both were willing to talk or help me in any way. He was one of most honorable men I've ever become acquainted with. This family has lost a true father, friend he will be missed. If this family needs anything they know all they have to do is ask me.  

Jeff Kinzalow 

My best friend, my protector, my husband - you are my everything but you already knew that.  We shared many experiences , the good, the bad, the disappointments, and our celebrations.  What a life we had. I loved traveling the world with you, seeing places through your eyes, while we enjoyed your favorite  things of each city.  Thank you for everything and how you enriched my life.  You were my strength and the fact that you always believed in me, the way you changed me over our 28 years together has given me the ability to put one foot in front of the other, day by day to carry on.   After all that is what you would expect. The only easy day was yesterday. You are missed and the grief is beyond bearable. Rest In Peace my love. You will always live in my heart.  I love you forever.

I met Rich 34 years ago when I was a new CPA just starting my second career.  We hit if off immediately with our mutual love of sports cars, Datsun Z cars in particular since we both had one.  He was working for Anheuser Busch at the time in St Louis.  He moved various times for his job and he still retained me as his tax advisor from wherever he landed.  We spoke on the phone regularly over the years, usually about business but also about our mutual interests, travels, family, and of course, dogs.  I will miss him and our conversations greatly.  Rest now my friend. 

I'll always remember the good times we had sharing our military stories. I'll miss you my friend. 

OBITUARY

Richard John Burke III

September 3, 1942 – October 15, 2021

Berry Highland Memorial

Show your support

Send Flowers

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Gathering of Family and Friends

Presentation of Military Honors