Robert Burke

Burke
Robert Burke
January 11, 1934 - February 24, 2024
Robert R. "Bob" Burke has added another role to his already long and distinguished resume, as he left this world enroute to Heaven at the age of 90, on January 24, 2024. Previous roles include being a loving brother to Duke and Kevin, who predeceased him. He was a devoted husband to Debbie and constant provider of love and support to his four children Bob Jr., Mike, Margie and Patrick. He was a source of inspiration and joy to his 10 grandchildren, who changed his name to "Poppy." He was a silly and willing plaything to his eight great grandchildren, one of whom, Jax, greeted him in Heaven.
Bob retired from the United States Secret Service as an Assistant Director after a distinguished 21 year career in 1982. He served during the administrations of six United States Presidents and was the Special Agent in Charge of President Nixon's Protective Detail.
After his government retirement, Bob turned his talents to civilian industry and rose to become the Director of Corporate Services and Security for Monsanto Chemical Company in St. Louis, MO.
Upon retirement from Monsanto, Bob moved to Maryland's Eastern Shore where he indulged his lifelong passion of sailing, exploring the Chesapeake Bay. He also met his future wife Debbie here and they moved to Jupiter, FL to become Jonathan's Landing Club Champions in 9-hole golf (Bob twice!). He was a beloved friend to virtually everyone he met, especially his posse in Jupiter.
He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, though he spent his early teens in Miami, FL during his father's own illness, which took his life when Bob was just 14 years old. He graduated from Loyola University in Chicago and commissioned a Second Lieutenant where he served in the US Army as a Field Artillery officer in the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.
He will be interred at a private ceremony in the Burke family plot in Mt. Carmel cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.
A 'Celebration of Life' ceremony will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on March 16, 2024 at the Aycock-Riverside Funeral Home, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation.