George Thomas Burke

Burke, George Thomas Age 80, passed away on May 10th, 2015 surrounded in his final days by the family he adored. Born to George and Mary (Francis) Burke in the spring of 1935 in Chicago, IL, he was the oldest sibling with a younger brother, Bob, and sister, Marilyn. "Georgie" as he was called back then, learned early on the value of a can-do spirit coupled with a strong work ethic. This would lay the foundation for the self-made man he would become, both in his career and in giving the best of himself to his family and community. As a young man, he put himself through Paul Smith College, and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. George married Jean (Ahtila) Burke with whom he had three children, Pat, Mike, and Linda. He and Jean raised loving children, instilling in them a strong sense of personal responsibility and love of family. Because of George's pioneering spirit and an abiding love of the sea, he moved his young family from New York to the warmer waters of St.Petersburg, Florida in 1968. There he founded The Burke Company, a taxkeeping and accounting firm, cold calling on potential clients in the early days to build a successful company which stands 47 year later as a testament to his hard work, loyalty, and the respect he held in the business community. George made friends easily, with his gift of gab, easy laugh, and was a lifelong learner due to his natural curiosity of the world around him. He basked in time spent with family and friends, and was ever the devoted and proud grandfather to his six grandchildren. George lived out his lifelong passion of exploring almost the entire world and cruising the oceans with his current wife of twelve years, Sherri (Richey) Burke. George never stopped challenging himself, whether to better himself or to better understand and love those around him. He truly lived life to the fullest, left a legacy of the best kind in a loving, close family, and will be missed more than words can express. George is survived by his devoted wife Sherri Burke, his daughter Pat (Mark) Stich, son Mike (Cathy) Burke, daughter Linda (Jim) Mueller, his six grandchildren Jennifer and Kelly (Pat), Matt and Zack (Mike), and Max and Luke (Linda), and former spouse Jean Burke. George was predeceased by his mother and father, Mary and George Burke, and his brother, Bob Burke. A memorial will be held on May, 30th, 2015 at 11:00am at Anderson McQueen Family Tribute Center, 2201 Dr.M.L.King St. N., St. Pete., FL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to Suncoast Hospice.