Edward Francis Burke

Edward Francis Burke lived a life defined by faith, family, leadership, and service. He passed away peacefully on January 25th, 2026 at the age of ninety-one. He was born in 1934 in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and at the age of seven moved with his family across the river to Maple Shade, New Jersey. By the time he was ten years old, Ed had already taken on extraordinary responsibility. The eldest of seven children, he became the anchor and provider of his family as a result of his father’s illness. Through these difficulties, Ed emerged as a role model and leader to his six younger siblings, providing stability, guidance, and example far beyond his years.

Edward earned a baseball scholarship to Rider College in Trenton, New Jersey, an opportunity that propelled him into higher education and opened the door to a distinguished professional business career.

Edward met the love of his life, his lifelong companion, Nancy, while working at Kresge’s Five and Dime in Trenton, New Jersey. They married 67 years ago, shortly after he became a U.S, Navy officer. His career took the family from Arlington, Virginia to Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Princeton, before they settled in River Falls, Potomac, Maryland, and he later continued his career with Accenture, where he built a reputation as a respected executive and leader.

A passionate golfer, Edward played the game with the same intensity and integrity that defined his life. In the last twenty years he achieved the rare feat of shooting his age three times, an accomplishment that brought him immense pride and joy.

Edward also left a lasting mark on the game of golf through his leadership at Congressional Country Club. As president in 1989, he was instrumental in the renovation of the Blue Course, a modernization effort that led the USGA to award the club the 1997 U.S. Open Championship. That milestone helped secure Congressional’s place as one of the premier championship venues in the world, leading to additional U.S. Opens and major championships in the years since.

Ed Burke was the best dad in the world. He shared unforgettable memories with his children, from winning many father-and-son golf tournaments with his son, and later his sons-in-law, to introducing his daughters to the world of horse riding, and creating cherished traditions through annual beach trips spent swimming together in the ocean and eating Maryland crabs. Ed also earned prestigious IBM Golden Circle trips, which became treasured family experiences.

Above all, Edward was a devoted man of faith, loving husband, father, mentor, and friend. He will be remembered for his work ethic, love of baseball, leadership, and the example he set for those around him, especially his family.

Edward is survived by his beloved wife Nancy, his children Terry Burke (wife, Angie), Kathleen Burke Perkins (husband, the late Alan Don Perkins), Stephanie Burke McGovern (husband, Jonathan), Jennifer Burke Mulvihill (husband, Peter), Ed’s four precious grandchildren, Carly, Madison, Florence and Matthew, and his brother Joseph Burke. Edward is preceded in death by his parents, and five of his siblings.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that instead donations be made to one of Ed’s admired organizations, The Good Samaritan Foundation, https://thegoodsamaritanfoundation.org.