Stephen R. Burke

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Celebrating the life of
Stephen R. BurkeFebruary 16, 1938 - October 23, 2007

Stephen R. Burke, Harrisburg civic leader and retired banker, died Tuesday in Savannah Memorial Hospital after suffering a heart attack Monday at his home in The Landings on Skidaway Island. He was 69.

Burke retired in 1998 as chairman and chief executive officer of Mellon Bank's Harrisburg operation. He went to Harrisburg from
Albany, N.Y., where he managed the capital division of Marine Midland Bank, to become CEO of Commonwealth National Bank.

What was to become a distinguished banking career began in 1963 with Marine Midland in New York City, and included time in Syracuse where he managed Marine Midland’s retail division.

After moving to Harrisburg, he quickly immersed himself into central Pennsylvania civic activities and the list is long, including board memberships on the Pinnacle Health Foundation, Harrisburg Symphony, Capital Region Economic Development Corp., Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce, United Way of the Capital Region, Boy Scouts, Affordable Housing Initiative and the Pennsylvania Bankers Association.

In 1997, he was recognized for his civic leadership when designated Eagle Scout Honoree at the annual dinner recognizing those who had achieved the Eagle rank during the year.

He was a gourmet cook and avid golfer, playing most of his rounds at either the Country Club of Harrisburg or at The Landings on Skidaway Island.

Burke was born in Springfield, MA, served in the Army during the Korean War and was graduated from the University of Massachusetts.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ann Fryer Burke; two sons, Christopher and wife, Pamela, Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., and Peter, Harrisburg, PA; a daughter, Katharine and husband, David Bradley of Silver Spring, MD; a sister, Sheila Loeffler, New Jersey; and five grandchildren: Teagan, Braden, Sydney and Bentley Burke, and Griffin Bradley.

Memorial contributions are being made to the American Heart Association, or the Skidaway Island First Responders, P.O. Box 13250, Savannah, GA 31411.

Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Skidaway Island.

The family is planning a memorial service in Harrisburg in November.

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GUEST BOOK

KATE, I LOVE YOU.. DOTTIE

- DOTTIE B DAVIS, ABINGDON, VA

Kate, I was SO sorry to hear about your dad. I will always remember his joviality embodied in the speech he gave at your wedding. He was a really warm person. His death was so sudden and I know your family will be in a state of shock for some time. I hope you are doing okay and taking refuge in the wonderful family you have built with David and Griffin. Thinking of you... Melissa and Mike

- Melissa Rooney, Durham, NC

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ravi and Ingrid

- Ingrid Mazul, San Francisco, CA

Dear Ann, Sorry to hear about Steve's passing. I liked him very much. Great sense of humor. 'Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying' Love to everyone, Jeff

- Kenneth 'Jeff' Fryer, sebring, FL

We are friends of Kate, David and Little Griff. Our hearts ache for yor loss. Love, Piper, Jacob & Willa

- Piper Fults & Family, Silver Spring, MD

Though I didn't know Mr. Burke, I have the great fortune of calling his daughter Kate a friend. My condolences to all.

- Meg Annacone, Washington, DC

Dear Ann, Sincere condolences on your unexpected loss. I shall offer private prayers and see you personally shortly. CHB

- Dr. Carl H. Brennan, Savannah, GA

Greetings, I was fortunate to work under Mr. Burke during his time at Mellon Bank. He was an exceptional leader and created incredible motivation in his employees. I have not since experienced such positive leadership in the workplace, and may never again. I am truly sorry for the loss of this very special man. May he rest in peace, and may your family be comforted by the grace of God.

- Kathleen Lehman, Harrisburg, PA

Almighty GOD grant perfect peace to Stephen. Keep his beloved soul in Your providential care. May his memory and the goodness which he wrought continue unto all eternity. For as long as we live, he too will live as we remember him.

- Maxine G. Blair, Savannah, GA

Dear Ann, Kate, Christopher and Peter: Please know that Brian and I are thinking of you all during this difficult time. Steve will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

- Ellen Bradley, Chapel Hill, NC

Your lose is great but your love is even greater. My best to you all.

- Malcolm Fryer, Keene, NH

Although we are hundreds of miles away, please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. Steve brought so many gifts to our lives. We will miss his zest for life, his great company, his laugh and of course his jokes. Steve will remain in our hearts forever. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.

- The Swansons, Harrisburg, PA

Sybil and I have the fondest of memories of Steve. Steve and wife were very kind to us when we first got here and Steve was a fun individual to socialize and golf with. Everyone will miss him dearly and wish his family the very best in their shared sorrow at his passing. Mark and Sybil Lasker

- MARK AND SYBIL LASKER, SAVANNAH, GA

I feel like I have been in touch with all of you over the years through letters and cards from Uncle Melvin, though we have not spent time together. I am thinking and praying for you. Debby Gilman

- Debby Jackman/Fryer Gilman, Aurora, CO

We are very sorry for your loss. We have fond memories of our weekend in Harrisburg this past summer. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

- Bob, Jen and William Zahradnik, Washington, DC

Mrs.Burke, Christopher, Peter and Kate- It's hard to believe that it's been 25 years since we met on 'The Ridge'. Quite a few memories come to mind ...'The Captain' of his boat in Henderson Harbor, the man with the red bandana and his cigar driving the jeep, 'duning' in Buzzard's Bay... Please know my prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Love Always, Jen

- Jennifer Carlson, Wilmington, NC