WHITE STONE—Martin Thomas “Marty” Burke, 59, was born on an Army Base in Tokyo, Japan, to Bertha and John Burke on September 11, 1959. He passed away on Wednesday, May 8.
Marty lived in New York as a baby, but moved to Richmond when he was three and while he spent time in Washington, California, Florida, the Caribbean and Chicago, the Northern Neck was where he felt most at home.
Marty enjoyed working on charter boats from Florida to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. He partnered with his mom in running Burke’s White Stone Inn and lifted the spirits of many at the Calypso Café in Richmond. Perhaps, his favorite employment was working as a camp counselor with his sister, Dottie, at a Catholic camp for kids in California.
Everyone who knew Marty, Knew Marty! He loved everyone and would do anything for anyone, therefore, was loved by everyone.
He was married to Elizabeth Schocklin Burke and they lived in Richmond for many years. Their lives and careers took different directions, as she moved to Chicago and Marty returned to the Northern Neck. While living in White Stone, he met Towsey Yount, who loved and cared for him over the past several years.
He is survived by his siblings, Peter G. Burke (Nancy), William J. Burke (Kim), Francis A. Burke (Carol), Catherine B. Withers and Dorothy B. Clark (Ernie); his nieces, Sarah, Erin, Leslie, Colleen and Kelly; and nephews, Joseph, James, Chris, Mark, Ross and Austin, who all loved him very much.
He was predeceased by his father, John J. Burke Sr.; mother, Bertha A. Burke; and brother, John J. Burke Jr.
A service for Marty will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 25, at 2 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in Kilmarnock.
The family asks that memorial donations in Marty’s name be given to White Stone Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 272, White Stone, VA 22578 or Kilmarnock-Lancaster Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 333, Kilmarnock, VA 22482.
Currie Funeral Home, LLC, of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
