Joshua Burke Obituary
April 5, 1973 - June 28, 2022
In The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, Carson McCullers asks, "How can the dead be truly dead when they still live in the souls of those who are left behind?" If this is true, then Joshua Adam Burke, who left this plane on June 28, 2022, will live on forever. As a beloved father, husband, son, brother, friend, cousin, uncle, and nephew, Josh had no shortage of loved ones with whom he easily shared his bright soul. Those that carry his soul closest include his best friend and adored wife, Ellen Marie Burke, whom he cherished until his last breath. He also lives on in his children, sons Carson Alexander Mitchell (21), Colin Anderson Mitchell (18), Arthur Joseph Burke (14), and daughter, Cecelia Ann Burke (11), all of whom he regularly expressed his great pride in. Joshua also leaves behind his loving parents, Patty and Daniel Burke, his dear sister Jessica Burke Crutti (John A), his nephew Daniel John, and niece Eleanor Jane. Josh is also loved by dozens of extended family including brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, including his best friend and might-as-well-be brother, Lucas Ohlendorf. Josh was a native of New Orleans and an avid Saints fan. He graduated from Charlottesville High School in 1992 and studied communications at Loyola University in New Orleans. Joshua worked as a bus driver for the Albemarle School District, and often volunteered to take on extra shifts because he knew how short staffed they were. Those that knew him intimately will not be surprised by that because Josh always gave of himself without complaint or expectation. Joshua loved music and was in his element at concerts. He adored the Beatles, the Black Crowes, Queen, Pearl Jam, Guns N' Roses, and the White Stripes, to name a few. When he sang karaoke, people were mesmerized by his angelic and soulful tenor. He was the resident movie buff of the family, with the Star Wars and Rocky sagas ranking at the top of his favorites list. He appreciated comedies, especially sketch comedies such as SNL and Kids In the Hall, and would light up when talking about Marvel and DC comics, and graphic novels. His favorites were Batman and Spider-Man. Josh loved taking his family on hikes and swimming adventures. His favorite color was green, and if you ever played trivial pursuit, you definitely wanted Josh on your team. He knew the most obscure and interesting facts about almost everything. Joshua was humble, compassionate, kind, and had a great sense of humor. He was the quintessential family man with a great soul that will be missed but celebrated with the greatest joy for years to come. "And when great souls die, after a period peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration. Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us. They existed. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed." - Maya Angelou. Please join us at a Celebration of Josh's Life at The Melancon Center, 1643 Metairie Road, Metairie, LA on July 21, 2022 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The family welcomes and invites any colleagues, family, and friends. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
Published by The Times-Picayune from Jul. 9 to Jul. 21, 2022.