Matthew Richmond Burke

Matthew Burke, 47, passed away on June 24, 2014 at Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain in Marietta, GA after a courageous battle with cancer for the past seven years. He was born on June 14, 1967 in Huntington, NY and the son of Robert J. Burke and Noreen Burke.

Matt grew up in Baldwin, NY. He graduated from Baldwin High School.

After high school Matt entered the United States Army. He enlisted and began active duty with the U.S. Army in 1986 as an Army Bandsman with the rank of Specialist. Matt served active duty until 1997, with a rank of Sergeant. Upon finishing active duty, Matt entered the Army National Guard, 116th Army Band, as a bandsman until 2011; obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 2011, Matt transferred into the Army Reserve, serving as Senior Instrumentalist for the 100th Army Band. Instruments: Baritone and Euphonium.

Staff Sergeant Burke was decorated with: Army Commendation Medal, 2nd Award

Army Achievement Medal, 4th Award

Army Good Conduct Medal, 3rd Award

Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon

Army Service Ribbon

Overseas Service Ribbon (Korea)

While servicing in the Army National Guard and Reserves, staff Sergeant Burke was awarded:

The Georgia National Guard Service Medal

The Armed Forces Reserve Medal

The Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal

Following his love of justice, law, and politics, Matt began studying Political Science at Columbus State University in 2001, graduating summa cum laude and named by Faculty as the Top Political Science Student for 2004. Immediately following his graduation, he entered the Georgia State College of Law, graduating in 2007. In recent years, he formed the Law Office of Matthew Burke.

In leisure time, Matt enjoyed the game of golf, music, politics, and spending quality time with the love of his life, Robin.

Matt is survived by his mother Noreen Burke of Cary, NC; his wife, Robin Clemmons Burke of Atlanta, GA; daughter Emily Burke of Omaha, NE, his sister Beth Burke of Holly Springs, NC; and nephews, Reily Burke, Noah Heldreth and Grayson Heldreth. His father, Robert J. Burke, predeceased him.

A funeral service will be held at noon, Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at Woodstock Funeral Home, 8855 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at Woodstock Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m., Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Veterans Cemetery Road, Canton, GA 30114.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Matt and Robin’s request, please become a blood donor with the American Red Cross. Condolences may be offered at www.woodstockfuneralhome.com, Matt’s Facebook page and/or please send to 1750 Shiloh Road, #701, Kennesaw, GA 30144.