- Date Of Birth: February 11, 1967
- Date Of Death: February 12, 2018
- State: North Carolina
Matthew Rodgers Burke, ladies’ man, high school drum major, musician, Eagle Scout, carpenter, American Revolutionary War expert, connoisseur, automotive restoration expert, Rocky fanatic, ambulance driver, chemist, Ronald McDonald House volunteer, flower deliverer, accomplished traveler, movie buff, comedian, Buffalo Bills fan, loyal friend, cousin, son, brother, uncle and father, left this earth to reside with his mother in heaven on Monday, February 12,2018 at the age of 51.
He passed away from the terrible disease of a broken heart. Matthew was loved by everyone who knew him. His friends will tell you he is in a better place but the ones who know him best will say they can hear him before a large audience in heaven, impersonating Rodney Dangerfield. Matthew was born in Buffalo, New York on February 11, 1967 to Frederick A. Burke, and Mary Rodgers Burke, who predeceased him. Matthew was one of five children, Lynn M. Burke, Patrick P. Burke, Michael F. Burke, and Martin J.Burke respectively. Due to his father’s job, Matthew and his family moved three times, to Ontario, Ohio, Johnson City, Tennessee, and finally settling in Raleigh,North Carolina.
Matthew graduated from Millbrook High School in 1985 and later
received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill in 1989. With his degree, he was employed with multiple companies
throughout Raleigh and Atlanta working in cancer research.
Matthew’s proudest moments in his life were the births of his children, Mary
Lucille Burke, and William E. Burke. They were the light of his life, and he loved
them more than anything. Matthew also made room in his heart for Lynn’s children, James D. Burke,Candice M. Adams, Cristin M. Adams, and Courtney M. Adams. He considered each of them his own children, and they considered Matthew as their father. Matthew was
always there whenever they needed him.
Matthew was a very caring, loving person who will be remembered for his
wonderful sense of humor and kind-heartedness for everyone he encountered. He
will be sadly and profoundly missed.
