Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Daniel Burke Obituary
Burke, along with Tom Murphy, built Capital Cities from a television station in Albany, N.Y., into a company with newspapers, magazines and TV and radio operations.
With Warren Buffett's backing, Capital Cities Communications bought ABC for $3.5 billion in 1986, in what was then the largest non-oil company merger in corporate history.
After helping merge the two companies, Burke was elevated to CEO, where he remained until he retired in February 1994 on his 65th birthday. Disney bought Capital Cities/ABC for $19 billion in 1996.
Burke's son, Steve Burke, a former president of ABC, is now the CEO of Comcast Corp.'s NBCUniversal.
Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement that "Dan had a significant impact on me and all those he touched," calling him a "gifted executive and natural teacher, and a man with a strong sense of right and wrong."
Murphy said Burke was a "brilliant executive" and a "friend whose intelligence and integrity greatly inspired those around him."
"He was serious and committed, with a wicked sense of humor that made every day more fun. The world is a better place for all he contributed," Murphy said.
Two years before he retired, Burke bought the Eastern League minor league baseball franchise, the Sea Dogs of Portland, Maine, with the aim of providing family entertainment in the state where he spent his summers.
Kathie Lee Gifford sang the National Anthem at the first opening day for the Sea Dogs in 1994.
Sea Dogs General Manager Geoff Iacuessa said Burke died surrounded by family Wednesday morning at his home in Rye, N.Y.
Burke was chairman emeritus of the team and his family said in a statement that "overseeing the operations of the team and watching stands filled with families enjoying baseball on beautiful summer nights became one of his life's greatest pleasures."
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Harriet "Bunny" Burke; his children Steve Burke, Frank Burke, Sally McNamara, Bill Burke and 14 grandchildren.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Burke
38 Entries
Brian Gerard Rotchford
July 16, 2014
Dan Burke was one of the finest men I have ever known. One of the last of "Our Greatest Generation" My kindest regards and condolences to the Burke family. Brian Gerard Rotchford
Mary Kanada
July 1, 2012
With deepest condolences.
Ats 24: 15
Deborah Cornwall
November 16, 2011
Phyllis, it's been years since we've seen you, but you remain in our minds and hearts. Will and I send our condolences on the death of your brother. He sounds like he was a real champion of a guy, and we know he'll be missed. Best regards, Debbie Cornwall and Will Gravenslund
Caroline Krause
November 3, 2011
Dear Burke family and the community of Portland Sea Dogs nation,
As a lifelong Red Sox fan, and fan of the game of baseball in general, I have had a myriad of wonderful experiences at ballparks literally all over the world. MLB parks, winter ball in South America, Minor Leagues at every level and independent baseball across the land; but other than my beloved Fenway there is no better place to enjoy the game than at Hadlock. That experience championed and nurtured by Mr Burke and the extraordinary team and staff he assembles and guides each season make it a truly warm, friendly, clean, delicious and exciting place for fans both young and old. I have been lucky enough to watch campers and grandparents, locals and tourists, first time attendees and season ticket holders each take away treasured memories of the game. They all leave with great big smiles on their faces literally every time I have visited on dozens and dozens of times through wins and losses over a number of years. I was a board member for Save Fenway Park! So I understand all the ins and outs of an owner's need to make the game fan friendly but still keep the bottom line profitable. Mr Burke did just that. The city of Portland and the greater baseball community have lost a truly priceless and irreplaceable champion. I only hope and pray that his legacy will live on and that his family can find comfort in the love so many hold for him. I also want to thank Mr Burke and his organization for being so good to the umpires through the years. They are a silent part of the game. but they travel a grueling schedule. Unlike players, umpires are away from their families for months on the road with no home games. Often the ballpark provides their biggest meal of the day. Too often that still isn't a fantastic experience. But in Portland the clubhouse always provides them with a hot and delicious meal and keeps their water stocked. It may seem like a little thing. Seriously though, The Sea Dogs do all the little things, and little things added together make a huge difference. So thank you Mr
Burke. May you rest in peace up there in Heaven in your own field of dreams. We will be looking for glimpses of you meanwhile in the cornfields, above the dugouts and around the ballpark.
Bob Bainter
November 3, 2011
I had the pleasure to have met Mr. Burke when I was an umpire in the Eastern League from 1999-2001. I have prayed more than once that I could somehow move to Portland, Maine, where his beloved Sea Dogs are located, because I, too, fell in love with the area...Mr. Burke created an atmosphere for baseball that was second to none, and perhaps, one day, I'll return to my future adopted city and enjoy a Sea Dogs game, this time, as a fan, not an umpire. I can't do that if it wasn't for Mr. Burke. My deepest condolences to his family. Bob Bainter, EL umpire, 1999-2001
D Evans
November 1, 2011
May you be comforted by the love and
concern of family and friends during this time of grief. 2 Cor. 1:3-4
Joseph Reaves
November 1, 2011
Our deepest condolences to the entire Burke family. The Dodgers have lost a wonderful part of their own family.
a streicher
November 1, 2011
FAMILY,FRIENDS OF DANIEL BURKE.SOON NOW DEATH WILL END AND ALL CREATION WILL PRAISE JAH.THE CREATOR FOREVER PSALMS 147,148.THIS FUTURE HOPE IS ENCOURGING.
October 31, 2011
May the God of comfort and tender mercies continue to comfort you and your family.
Know that very shortly death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things will have passed away.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
D. Clark
michelle & Dale White
October 31, 2011
our condolence to Bunny and the Burke family, Dan was a very friendly person, my family sat in front of his SeaDogs box for 17 years and had the pleasure of getting acquainted with his family. When my son was in little league Dan invited my sons team in his box to take pictures with him. We will miss the talks we had with him and that great big smile and wave everytime we saw him.
Dan we will miss you.
Beverly
October 31, 2011
God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during distresses...Psalm 46:1
Trina
October 31, 2011
May God wipe the tears from your eyes. Rev 21:4
October 29, 2011
To the Burke family,
My deepest sympathy goes to you all for your lost. Very soon our creator will bring death to nothing.(Ps 147:3) And it will be a thing of the pass, until then he is healing the brokenhearted ones. So look to him for the comfort you may need at this time.
Pamela Hodsdon
October 29, 2011
To the Burke Family:
I have worked at the Sea Dogs in the souvenir shop for nine years and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Several times I waited on Mr. Burke and he was such a fine person. I shall certainly miss him. My entire family has worked at the ball park and there is no greater place to be.
May the Lord bless and comfort each one of you. Perhaps there will be baseball in heaven!!
Sincerely,
Pamela Hodsdon
October 28, 2011
God is for us a refuge and strength a help that is readily to be found during distresses. Psalms 46:1
October 28, 2011
We are so sorry to learn of your loss. May God continue to be with your family to help you to endure this sad yet difficult time. He will be truly missed, always loved, and forever in our hearts. Just remember there is hope for the future. (John. 11:25,26)
The Dalton Family - Waukegan, IL
Joan Dube
October 28, 2011
Condolences to the Burke Family,especially Bill and Karen and family,
With our prayers and sympathy,
Peter and Joan Dube and family[Windham,Me]
October 28, 2011
R.I.P Daniel
Mary Erskine
October 28, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with Bunny, Bill, Sally and the rest of the Burke Family during this difficult time. Dan was a wonderful man and we all have him to thank for bringing our beloved Sea Dogs to Portland. His presence at the ballpark will certainly be missed by all. Rest in peace, Dan.
October 28, 2011
To the family of Daniel Burke, my condolences for the loss of your beloved one. May the God of all comfort strengthen you at this difficult time. Erma L. Davis, Park Forest, IL.
L. Ellis
October 27, 2011
Sincere condolences to the family!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Isa 33:24
Victoria&Andrew
October 27, 2011
Condolences
to The BURKE
Family&friends
of the mediaBroadcast
rest in peace~DANIEL~
Sheila Smith
October 27, 2011
Rest in Peace for a life well lived.
October 27, 2011
Please accept my condolences and may the God of all comfort give you peace.
October 27, 2011
With Heartfelt sympathy to the family. May treasured memories bring comfort and a warmness to your hearts.
Logan Parry Hottle
October 27, 2011
Jim, I am saddened to read of your loss.
Logan Hottle.
Joan Dillon
October 27, 2011
It was with sorrow I heard of Dan's passing. Knowing him from UVM made a lasting impression of a kind man with great integrity and special sense of humor. My heartfelt condolences go out to his entire family.
JULIE ROSARIO
October 27, 2011
TO A GREAT MAN. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
Henryk Zaleski
October 27, 2011
Rest in peace.
Cynthia
October 27, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
October 27, 2011
I had the great joy of working for a print division of Capital Cities/ABC for almost a decade. Mr. Burke, along with his colleague Mr. Murphy, created opportunities for so many of us. My condolences to Mr. Burke's family--he was clearly a rare bird.
Nancy R.
K. henderson
October 27, 2011
My sincere condolences to your family. He will be missed by family friends and fans of his work. My you be comforted by the great memories that you have shared. May the "God of comfort give you peace."
Alice Hannon
October 27, 2011
Bill and Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. I understand how hard this time is for the whole family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rich & Donna Bugajski
October 27, 2011
Bill,
Donna & I so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. We extend our deepest sympathy to you & your family.Our thoughts & prayers are with you & the entire Burke family. I read about it in today's WSJ.Very nice tribute.
Cindy Coyne
October 27, 2011
My sincerest condolences to Steve and family. May you have peace and comfort.
Francesca Fairfield
October 26, 2011
He has quite the "dash" between being born & leaving this world, which is a better place thanks to Mr.Burke.
Condolences to his family.
David J Bhaltazhar Esq
October 26, 2011
Shalom
Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results
Make a Donation
in Daniel Burke's name
How to support Daniel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Daniel Burke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored