David J. Burke Jr., 83, a lifelong resident of Beacon passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on April 27, 2023, at home with his loving family by his side.
David was born in Beacon on October 7, 1939, to Elsie Jones Burke and David J. Burke Sr. He held a special place in his heart for his family home at Hiddenbrooke. On February 8, 1964, David married Patricia H. Hopper at St. John the Evangelist Church in Beacon, NY officiated by Reverend Thomas Fenlon.
David is survived by his wife of 59 years Patricia, his daughter Erin VanBuren and her husband Jim of Beacon, NY, his son David J. Burke III and his wife Maria of Marlboro, NY. His grandchildren Patrick Burke of New York City, Isabella Burke of Marlboro, NY and Mikalya and Patricia VanBuren of Beacon, NY.
He is also survived by his brother Bill (Ginger) of Fishkill, NY, and his sisters Mary Murphy (Don) of Newburgh, NY and Bettye Gobbelet (Pete) of Hopewell Junction, NY. His brother-in-law John Hopper of Fishkill, NY and his sister-in-law Elizabeth Hopper of Beacon, NY and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents whom he adored, David J. Burke Sr. on December 1, 1996, and Elsie Jones Burke on July 26, 2006, and his father-in-law James J. Hopper on February 24, 1979, and mother-in-law Lillian McGrath Hopper on January 15, 2000. He was also predeceased by his brothers-in-law James Hopper, Thomas Hopper, Raymond Champlin and his sisters-in-law Mary Hopper, Claudia Hopper, Kathleen Hopper, Barbara Hopper, and Anne Champlin.
After graduation from Beacon High School, David served in the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1962. Following the Navy, he was employed as a manager at IBM. He then became the owner of Bob’s Corner Store in Beacon, NY and finally went to work for Akima Services, LLC at West Point until his retirement.
David was a pilot and a member of the TwinCo flying club. Many Beaconites had the privilege to fly with “Captain Dave” in his Cessna. He was also an avid boater and held the name “Captain Seaweed.” Many summer afternoons were spent boating on the Hudson River in his Sea Ray cabin cruiser. He loved the New York Giants, had season tickets with his buddies, and attended every home game tailgating with his travel trailer camper. He was so proud to be the founder of the Beacon LLABTOOF Club (which is football spelled backwards). The club was in existence for 33 years and they attended one away game each year experiencing over 20 NFL cities. In this club, he affectionately became known as the “Irish Godfather.”
Around town everyone called him “Uncle Dave”. He is well known for his Davey’s Dogs hotdog business and loved vacationing every year at his timeshare on Block Island. In his younger years, prior to starting his family, he was the coach of the Beacon Little League Dodgers. And finally, in the winter of 1963, David walked 96 miles from Albany to Beacon to show his support and generate excitement for the 50th Jubilee of Beacon, NY.
David was a life member of St. Rocco’s Society, Beacon Elks Lodge #1493, Beacon Engine, Mase Hook and Ladder, and a member for many years of both the Southern Dutchess Country Club and the Dutchess Boat Club.
However, what was most important to him was his faith and his family. He always wanted everyone to be together and was so proud of his children and grandchildren. His legacy will be his gifts of generosity, kindness, humor and love of family.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, from 4 – 8pm at the Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC, 2 Beekman Street, Beacon, NY 12508.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am on Wednesday, May 3 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 Willow Street, Beacon, NY 12508. The funeral Mass will be available via livestream if you cannot attend. Burial at St. Joachim’s Cemetery with military honors will follow. A Repast Celebration of Life will be held at the Southern Dutchess Country Club in Beacon, NY immediately following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s memory to the Church of St. Joachim – St. John the Evangelist. Please visit his Book of Memories at www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.
And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
