Michael Francis Burke

1953 - 2023

Burke

Michael Francis Burke "Mike"

Michael Francis Burke "Mike", of the Collington Life Care Community in Mitchellville, MD, passed away on October 11, 2023 at Johns Hopkins Hospital.



He is survived by his much loved wife of 47 years, Patricia (Fessler) Burke; his sisters, Kathleen Burke DeBlassio of McMurray, PA, Mercedes Kochara of Gallitzin, PA, and his twin brother, Joseph Burke of Chicago, IL.



Mike has many nieces and nephews.



He was predeceased by his parents James Burke and Meltha Walther Burke, and two brothers James and Patrick.



Mike was born on February 20,1953 and grew up in Loretto, PA.



Mike started his professional life as a teacher, eventually earning an M.A. in American Studies from the University of Connecticut. However, Mike's passion for protecting the environment quickly became his life's work. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes as a Congressional Aide specializing in environmental and energy policies eventually becoming Chief of Staff. Mike spent ten years as Government Affairs Leader with the US EPA mid-Atlantic regional office. There he was awarded the regions top individual honor, and an individual national Gold Medal for Exceptional Service. Later Mike served as Associate Director for Government Affairs and Communications at the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office. In time he returned to Capitol Hill as Senator Ben Cardin's senior environmental and energy aide as well as Projects Director. Mike helped draft the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park law; and aided in establishing the Star- Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. He was a key player in the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, and the expansion of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.



Mike, along with serving on the board of The Friends of Patuxent Research Refuge, served on two national non-profit boards, Senior Stewards Acting for the Environment (SSAFE) and Democracy Matters.



Mike made friends easily and kept them over time and distance. Some shared his delight in birding and others his enthusiasm for Shakespeare. His birding life list exceeded 200 species and he shared his insights and observations in his thoughtful column "on the Wing" which he wrote monthly for the Chesapeake Bay Journal. Mike always seemed to have a meaningful quote from the Bard for any occasion. He and Pat were frequently in the audience for concerts, plays, lectures, and regular supporters of the many museums in and around Washington, DC.



We will celebrate Mike's life on November 11, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Collington Life Care Community, Mitchellville, MD.



In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to Chesapeake Bay Foundation.