FORT EDWARD – Darrell “Burkie” Burke, Sr., 59, formerly of Frank Street in Fort Edward, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 4, 2013.
Born on October 9, 1953 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late James B. and Eleanor (Kimball) Burke.
In his younger years, Burkie worked at Chase Bag in Moreau and on several local farms. His last employment was driving a taxi for Capitaland and for Tri-County Taxi, located in Glens Falls.
Burkie loved fishing and camping in the Adirondacks. He enjoyed muscle cars and the love of his life was a 1968 Plymouth GTX 440. He enjoyed watching NASCAR races and his favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt, Sr. He also loved listening to rock and roll music and Johnny Cash.
Besides his parents, Burkie was predeceased by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kimball and Mr. and Mrs. William Burke, step father, Art Fountaine, and his grandson, Caeden Burke.
Survivors include his children, Joanne Burke (HR Reynolds) of Hudson Falls, Darlene Burke (Omer Sertdal) of Warrensburg, Mary Ellen Burke (Walter Winchell) of Hudson Falls, Darrell “Matt” Burke, Jr (Amanda) of Hudson Falls, Paul R. Burke of Hudson Falls, and Tracey Burke of Queensbury, his best friend, Carol “Dom” Mandolare of Fort Edward; his grandchildren, Jamison Reynolds, Jade Winchell, Makenzie Winchell, Makayla Winchell, Priscilla Burke, Hailey Burke, Abigail Labshere, Eliana Burke, Izik Sanders, and Oliver Sanders; his brother, Glenn P. Burke (Melissa) of Glens Falls, step brother, Chris Fountaine (Barb); his nephew, Evan Burke; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Friends may call on Sunday, July 14, from 1 to 3pm at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
A graveside service will be conducted at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Edward at 11 A.M. on Monday, July 15.
The family suggests that memorial donations can be made to the American Lung Association of NE NY, 3 Winner Circle, Suite 300, Albany, NY 12250.
Online condolences may be made by emailing www.carletonfuneralhome.net.