Richard T. Burke, 82, Korean War Veteran

Richard T. Burke passed away Feb. 4, 2013, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg, after a battle with cancer at the age of 82.

He was born in Mineola, Long Island, New York, and was a graduate of Michigan State University. Upon graduation from MSU, he received an Appointment to the United States Navy’s Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. He proudly served his country as a Lieutenant in the Navy for several subsequent years, and was a veteran of the Korean War.

His professional career as a building contractor and real estate developer spanned over 50 years in the Toledo area. He was past President of the Toledo Area Home Builders’ Association, past Chairman of the Toledo Area Plan Commission and the recipient of many distinguished awards in his field. He was a magnanimous contributor to numerous charities throughout the region, and was a staunch defender of wildlife and their habitats. He had a great love for the outdoors, and spent countless hours working in his beautiful gardens at his home.

Burke is survived by his wife, Betty, whom he met at Michigan State. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in June, 2013. He is also survived by daughters, Diane Varner (Brett), and Jane Cermak (Todd), both of Sylvania, and by three grandchildren, Ben and Maria Cermak, and April Varner. 

The family will receive guests at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., on Sunday, Feb. 10 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The visitation will also include a Rosary Service, which will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral services will begin with prayers at the funeral home at 11:30 a.m. on Monday followed by Mass of the Resurrection at Christ the King Church, 4100 Harvest Lane, Toledo, at 12 p.m. with interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.