Patrick Francis Burke

Patrick Francis Burke, of Columbia MD, died peacefully with family at his side on August 9th, 2024, at the age of 91. Born January 30th, 1933, in Uniontown, PA, he was one of five boys, and the last remaining son, born to David and Anna Burke of Uniontown, PA. His parents were devout Catholics and conveyed the importance of their Catholic faith to their five sons. Pat is pre-deceased by his parents and four brothers, Regis, Bob, Mickey, and Jack.

His marriage to Valentine Jean Burke (Val) spanned 25 years and produced six sons and one daughter. They too shared the importance of their Catholic faith with their seven kids.

Pat served as a Private First Class in the US Army from April 1953 to April 1961. He spent much of his time as a basketball coach both in the Army and after his honorable discharge. He retired and went into the corporate sector working as a financial consultant until his retirement in the late 1990s.

He is survived by five of his six sons, Daniel, David, Patrick (Adele), Thomas (Maria), Timothy and one daughter, Kimberly (Mike Damewood). His son Michael pre-deceased him in 2018. He adored his 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Never seen later in life without his trusty shillelagh, Pat always felt pulled by his Irish roots and said that every time he visited Ireland, it felt like he was returning home. Known for his larger-than-life presence, love of family, and beautiful voice, Pat never shied away from the microphone to sing his favorite Sinatra songs and to entertain friends and family.

He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html .