Richard John Burke

Richard John Burke passed away peacefully 8/21/2023. He will be remembered by all who knew him. Richard was born on 08/22/1941, in Manhattan, N.Y., to John Joseph Burke and Eugenia Nathalie Zukaitus. He was raised with a strong influence from the Catholic Church and the Catholic nuns in New York. Richard's life was a tapestry woven with threads of adventure, resilience, and accomplishment. As the proud owner of Eagledale Moorings Marina on Bainbridge Island, Washington, he transformed his love for the water into a thriving legacy. Richard's devotion to his marina was evident in every detail, having built it from the ground up, his family watching each step, each challenge, and each solution which he orchestrated. His determination and independent spirit were the driving forces behind the marina's success and there is no one else in our eyes that overcame the way Richard John Burke did.

Richard's adventurous spirit was not confined to land; he was an accomplished pilot and a retired Lieutenant of the United States Coast Guard. His career in the Coast Guard took him to Hawaii, Florida, Guam, Alaska, San Francisco and finally Seattle won his heart. He took to the open roads, skies, and seas with equal enthusiasm, embodying a love for exploration that knew no bounds. His passion for sailing was palpable, and he shared this ardor with his entire family by taking them on unforgettable sailing vacations to the San Juan Islands. His expertise as a sailor allowed him to chart his own course, embracing the freedom of the open water.

Beyond his maritime pursuits, Richard was a man of diverse interests. He dedicated time to studying martial arts, fast cars, ballroom dancing, antique’s, honing his skills as a welder, and engaging in various college courses on an ongoing basis never wavering his strong commitment to learning. His thirst for knowledge and self-improvement was truly inspiring. Richard was always meticulously dressed when not working on the marina along with his affinity for classical music added a harmonious layer to his character, reflecting his appreciation for the finer aspects of life.

Richard's impact extended beyond his personal pursuits. He served on the Bainbridge Island City Council, using his insights and passion for the community to contribute positively to local governance. His commitment to the betterment of his surroundings underscored his selflessness and genuine care for the world around him.

We imagine Richard sailing the Pacific Northwest in his black seaman’s hat with his parents, his dogs; Cinder, Kerry, Cadbury, and Tiger, his cat George and his favorite Coast Guard mates that predeceased him that he spoke of often. Richard Burke is survived by his son Chris DeAnda of Kona, HI; his daughter Samantha Burke Padilla of Elk Grove CA; his grandchildren Emma Catlin Padilla and Jaxon Burke Padilla of Elk Grove CA; his sister Nathalie McRoberts, nephew Donald Tyler and nieces Susie Tyler Alofs, Cynthia Fisher of various cities in Arizona and finally, Janet Williams, although divorced from Janet his quiet affection for her remained and was demonstrated in thoughtful gestures over the years. His legacy lives on through the memories shared by those who were fortunate enough to know him, and his spirit will forever dance upon the waves he so adored.

A memorial service will be held on 09/14/2023 at 11:30am at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association https://www.cgauxa.org/ or Puget Soundkeeper https://pugetsoundkeeper.org/ which reflects Richard's values and passions for the U.S. Coast Guard and for protecting and preserving the waters of Puget Sound. In the wake of this loss, let us remember Richard with smiles and tears, celebrating a life lived fully and passionately. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA