Obituary of Michael J. Burke

Michael John Burke, 63 of Sunset Beach, NC and formally of Schenectady, NY passed away unexpectedly on March 26, 2018 with his loving wife at his side. Born October 27, 1954 to the late Regina Mae (Potfora) and Myles "Jack" Burke, Mike graduated in 1972 from the former Linton High School in Schenectady and also graduated from SUNY Brockport and Dean College, MA on a baseball scholarship. While playing for the Cape Cod Baseball League, he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers. After an injury sidelined his baseball career, Mike began umpiring part time while also serving as the Program and Training Coordinator for the Boy Scouts. He was also employed as a Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Schenectady and part time at Tullock's Service Station. Mike was currently employed as a bus driver for Brunswick County Schools where he was a favorite of all the students who had the pleasure to ride with him. Mike's love of baseball followed him to NC where he officiated for the Atlantic Coast Umpire Association and the Southern Umpires Association. Mike took great enjoyment in following all his children's sports activities and was extremely proud of all they accomplished throughout their lives. Mike married the love of his life, Mary (Stafford) on May 24, 2012 on Wellfleet Beach in Cape Cod, MA who survives. He loved visiting Las Vegas, NV for the heat and Cape Cod for the water so they settled in Sunset Beach, NC. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Heather Burke of Philadelphia, PA, Mitchell Burke and Mikaela Burke (fiancé Matthew Center) of Schenectady. He is also survived by his brother Tim (Cesar Biggeri) Burke of Sherman Oaks, CA, Uncle Bob and Aunt "Kitty" Potfora of Rotterdam, Aunt Kay Potfora of New Hampshire and several cousins, along with his cherished companions Reggie and Puff. He was predeceased by his parents, aunts and uncles. There will be a remembrance gathering of family and friends at Daly Funeral Home in Schenectady on Thursday, March 29 from 5 to 8 pm and a memorial service on Friday, March 30 at 10 am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Schenectady Baseball Umpires vs. Cancer. Donations can be made payable to SBUO c/o Fred Davidson, Treasurer, 1001 Mary Lane, Rotterdam, NY 12306