- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
J. Michael Burk
If Mike was missing it was almost certain he’d have a rod in his hand, standing next to his best friend, Squid. But it was never about actually catching the fish. In fact, his wife usually played it safe and thawed some chicken. His collection of fishing reels that he acquired from eBay and Columbus Market numbered in hundreds. If you couldn’t get along with Mike, you couldn’t get along with anyone. He never spoke a cross word and didn’t have a mean bone in his body.rnrnThough he wasn’t the bubbly type of parent, he gave many whisker rubs to his kids and grandkids and if he said he was going to go something he could always be counted on. He probably shouldn’t have had any Wendy’s Frosties, but he was just “sharing” them with his granddaughter.rnrnOne night at a bar he met woman named Tonee (nee Doyle). He tried to win her over by buying her a drink, but no luck. Even though sparks didn’t fly right away she agreed to meet him again: dinner, “Little Shop of Horrors” and a ride home on a flat tire, but somehow it just worked. Perhaps it was the fact that his quiet nature was complimented by Tonee’s outgoing one. He was the Father of Joseph (Cheryl), Michael (Siobhan), and John (Jamie); step-father of J.R., Virginia, Matthew (Marie), Dyan (Jason) McDermott; brother of John (Cathey), Lynn (Buddy) Maurer, Mary-Jo (John) LaBarge; son of Mary Burk and the late John; grandfather of Larry, Cory, Hannah, Dominique, Brienna, Sarah, Mallory, Stella, and Logan. His support group included his extended family, friends and his pound puppy, Lizzie.rnrnCome celebrate 61 angling years at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside Thursday 8-10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. at Jesus the Good Shepherd (St. Peter’s site), Riverside. Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Donations to American Diabetes Association. P.O Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 will be appreciated.rn
11 Comments
John/Jamie and family- My heart goes out to you and all of your family. Cherish the memories and time will help heal things. Steve Catando
John/Jamie and family… So sorry for your loss. Hope somebody continues to put those fishing rods to good use and continues to “share” a frosty with his grand daughter…. Peace and Love.. Dave and Linda Stowe.
John, Jamie, Stella and family – So sorry for your loss and everything you’ve all been through the past couple of weeks. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Hold onto all those wonderful memories.
I remember Mike from Riverside High School and him being on the football and basketball teams. I am so sadden to hear that he passed away. I send out my prayers and sympathy to his family and close friends in this time of great sorrow. nDonna in New Mexico
JOhn, So sorry to hear about your Dad. He was too young . My prayers are with you and your family. Joyce
John, Jamie, and StellarnrnOur Love and Prayers…rnUncle Jack and Aunt Dee
A special thought and prayer goes out to John, Jaime and Stella. Although, I did not know your father John, I know the loss is especially difficult for you all. We will continue to lift all of you and your entire family in prayer. God Bless, Betty and Lou Drager
Our hearts are broken for you Tonee, Mrs. Burk,and all the family members in his life. Trust the Lord to heal your hearts. rnrnMike you will be missed!rnrnThe Dea Family
Tonee, and family, you have been in my heart constantly since the day of that terrible accident that took Mike to his heavenly home. I will continue to pray for strenth to help you get through these next difficult days and months. Please know that our love goes out to all of you and I wish I could have been there to personally give you my love and hugs.rnrnLove, your cousin, Barb
To all of Mike’s family and friends. Such a loss at a young age. For sure Mike will be watching over all of you. Tonee…be strong and I am always here for you !!! Luv You Cuz !!! Nancy
Though we didn’t have a normal father son relationship. He was always my Dad. Nothing or nobody could take that away from us. Being a father now to my own children ( Hannah & Sarah) I know what that bond is. It’s the greatest feeling in the world. And now I found out what The worst feeling in the world is. losing that bond. As I did on Monday morning. I’m sure I didn’t say I love you enough to him. Or stopped by as much as I should have. But It didn’t mean he wasn’t my dad, or I wasn’t his first born son who has his name. I have never felt afraid growing up because I knew my dad would protect. No matter what. nDad. I have to tell you. I have never felt more afraid of life since you were taken from me. I miss you so much. I wish things were different between us. From the bottom of my heart I NEVER STOPPED LOVING YOU!nSAY HELLO TO POP POP FOR US! I KNOW YOU MISSED HIM. AS I MISS YOU! nI LOVE YOU DADnJODY