Arnold Mark "Arnie" Burka

  Arnold Burka was a wonderful, devoted, and loving son, brother, husband, and father.  He put most of his considerable energies into his marriage, his children, his parents, and his family.  Because of Arnold, life was a lot better for this family. 

Arnold was one of three sons born to Florence and Ellis Burka.  Arnold, his late brother Martin, and his brother Steven were born here in the District but grew up in Arlington in Virginia.  Arnold grew up to love sports, especially football, tennis, and golf.  He was a life long Redskins fan.  Arnold was a good student.  After high school, Arnold attended Virginia Tech, graduating with a degree in business.  When his late brother Martin passed away in August of 1981, Arnold's dad, Ellis prevailed on him to help him with the family business in Crystal City.  The Burkas owned a successful hardware store there.  Out of great loyalty and devotion to his dad, Arnold joined the family business.  It was a successful business, which Arnold sold a few years back. 

Arnold had met Karen on a blind date.  They fell and love and have been married for twenty-three years.  Initially, Arnold resisted the idea of having children.  But Karen made it clear that children were essential to their marriage and love.   Arnold and Karen were blessed with two wonderful and loving children, Sarah and Mark.  Both children were born with disabilities.  From the day they were born, Arnold became an incredibly devoted father.  He took time off from work to take Mark to speech therapy lessons six days a week.  He loved every minute of it.  Arnold always put his children first.  He was always unselfish with them and supported them in everything they did.  Arnold taught Mark how to play golf.  In High School, Sarah became close to her father by learning about his passion for sports.  She used to watch football and other sports events on television with him.  Gradually, she learned all the rules and purpose of the sports.  They developed a very close and loving relationship.  Their bond was so tight that during the last year or two Arnold hand wrote a card or letter to Sarah every week she was away at college.  How many fathers would think of this?  How many would actually do it?   Sarah, those letters are part of the legacy your father leaves you.  

Arnold never forgot the rest of his family, especially his late father and his mother Florence.  The past two years have been particularly difficult for Florence as she has battled different illnesses.  No one wanted Florence to live in a nursing home, so Arnold spent much of his time with his mother, becoming one of her primary care givers.  Arnold has been particularly devoted to his mother, making sure that all her needs were met.  I am sure his loss will leave a gaping hole in your life, Mrs. Burka. 

In many ways, Arnold was a traditional man; he rarely changed.  He didn't like change.  Arnold loved to listen to music; he had a collection of over 400 CDs.  He remained the same in appearance for his entire adult life.  He took his own health quite seriously.  He exercised regularly, he never gained weight, and he was a vegan for much of his adult life.  He treated his body very well which adds only poignancy to these last few months. 

Arnold became sick just this summer.  Because he had been in good health, it was shocking for many of his friends to learn that he was seriously ill.   His illness made him angry, because he loved his family and life so very much.  He didn't want to leave this world.  But he was never afraid and he had the love and support of his wonderful family.  Sarah decided to come home from school and spend everyday with him.  Arnold died in the presence of Karen, Sarah, and Mark.  He was a man who loved and he was loved.  

Arnold Burka was a man who worked hard for most of his life, who loved his family with all his heart, soul, and might, and who had many friends.  May his memory be a source of love and comfort to all of you who loved him so very much.   Yehi Zichrono Baruch.  May his memory be for a blessing.  Amen. 

Just immediate family will be returning to Karen and Arnold's home. 

Born: May 02, 1949 in Washington, D.C.

Died: Sep 30, 2008 in Fairfax, Va

Obituary



ARNOLD MARK BURKA (Age 59) Of Fairfax, VA passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a Business degree and worked most of his life in the family business in Crystal City, VA. He is survived by his wife, Karen Foster Burka; his daughter, Sarah Elisabeth Burka; his son, Mark Benjamin Burka; his mother Florence S. Burka; his brother, Steven Alan Burka; sister-in-law, Joan MacDonald Burka and niece, Ashley Paige Burka. Arnold was preceded in death by his father, Ellis Louis Burka and brother, Martin Neil Burka. He will be remembered for his devotion to his children and family. Arnold left behind many wonderful friends and family members. He was loved and will be truly missed. Graveside services will be held at Adas Israel Cemetery, 1400 Alabama Ave., SE, Washington, DC on Friday, October 3, at 11 a.m. Arrangements by HINES-RINALDI FUNERAL HOME, INC., under Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington Contract.